Basal metabolic rate and work energy expenditure of mature, pregnant women.

PubMed

Blackburn, M W; Calloway, D H

1976-07-01

Resting and working metabolic rates and physical fitness of twenty-one mature women were studied at various intervals during the last half of pregnance and in sixteen of them again eight to twelve weeks postpartum. Basal rate (BMR) was increased more than body weight during pregnancy, and there was a small drop in BMR per unit body mass near term. Data on lean body mass (40K) suggest that the small terminal fall in BMR is not explained by a shift in body composition toward increased fat or water. The increase in energy cost of work paralleled the gain in body weight during preganacy. Net energetic efficiency thus appeared to be higher for work performed during pregnancy, if recovery rates are assumed to be uniform. However, according to their heart rate reponses to fixed hard work, the women were less fit during pregnancy than they were postpartum, with the level of fitness decreasing as pregnancy advanced. The prolonged rate of recovery suggests that oxygen uptake may be increased for a longer period after work in the pregnant woman. If this is true, energy expenditure will be seriously underestimated by the application of energy cost figures obtained in the conventional manner.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF CILIA AND BASAL BODIES OF THE EPITHELIUM OF THE CHOROID PLEXUS IN THE CHICK EMBRYO

PubMed Central

Doolin, Paul F.; Birge, Wesley J.

1966-01-01

Ultrastructural studies were performed on normal and abnormal cilia and basal bodies associated with the choroidal epithelium of the chick embryo. Tissues were prepared in each of several fixatives including: 1% osmium tetroxide, in both phosphate and veronal acetate buffers; 2% glutaraldehyde, followed by postfixation in osmium tetroxide; 1% potassium permanganate in veronal acetate buffer. Normal cilia display the typical pattern of 9 peripheral doublets and 2 central fibers, as well as a system of 9 secondary fibers. The latter show distinct interconnections between peripheral and central fibers. Supernumerary fibers were found to occur in certain abnormal cilia. The basal body is complex, bearing 9 transitional fibers at the distal end and numerous cross-striated rootlets at the proximal end. The distal end of the basal body is delimited by a basal plate of moderate density. The tubular cylinder consists of 9 triple fibers. The C subfibers end at the basal plate, whereas subfibers A and B continue into the shaft of the cilium. The 9 transitional fibers radiate out from the distal end of the basal body, ending in bulblike terminal enlargements which are closely associated with the cell membrane in the area of the basal cup. One or 2 prominent basal feet project laterally from the basal body. These structures characteristically show several dense cross-bands and, on occasion, are found associated with microtubules. PMID:5335827

Studies of contemporary glacier basal ice cryostructures to identify buried basal ice in the permafrost: an example from the Matanuska Glacier, Alaska.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephani, E.; Fortier, D.; Kanevskiy, M.; Dillon, M.; Shur, Y.

2007-12-01

In the permafrost, massive ice bodies occur as buried glacier ice, aufeis ice, recrystalized snow, massive segregated ice, injection ice, ice wedges or ice formed in underground cavities ("pool ice", "thermokarst-cave ice"). The origin of massive ice bodies in the permafrost bears considerable implications for the reconstructions of paleoenvironments and paleoclimates. Our work aims to help the permafrost scientists working on massive icy sediments to distinguish buried basal glacier ice from other types of buried ice. To do so, the properties and structure of contemporary basal ice must be well known. Field investigations at the Matanuska Glacier (Chugach range, South-central Alaska), consisted in descriptions and sampling of natural basal ice exposures. We have used the basal ice facies classification of Lawson (1979) which is simple, easy to use in the field and provides a good framework for the description of basal ice exposures. Cores were extracted and brought back to the laboratory for water and grain-size analyses. The sediments forming the cryostructure were mostly polymodal, poorly sorted gravelly silt to gravelly fine sand, with mud contents generally over 50%. These data will be used to calibrate three-dimensional (3D) models produced from micro-tomographic scans of basal ice which will produce quantitative estimates of volumetric ice and sediments contents of basal ice cryostructures. Ultimately, visual qualitative and quantitative characterization of the basal ice components of 3D models together with field observations and laboratory analysis will allow for a new micro-facies and cryostructures classification of the basal ice. Our work will also have applications in glaciology, glacial geology, geomorphology, Quaternary and paleo-climatological studies based on inferences made from the structure of basal glacier ice. This paper presents the internal composition of the basal ice facies in terms of cryostructures assemblages (Fortier et al.: 2007) and sedimentological properties. Fortier, D., Kanevskiy, M, Stephani, E., Dillon, M., Shur, Y. 2007. Facies and cryostructures of glacier basal ice as an object of permafrost study, an example from the Matanuska Glacier, Alaska. Canadian Quaternary Association Conference, Ottawa, June 2007: 75. Lawson, D.E. 1979. Sedimentological analysis of the western terminus region of the Matanuska Glacier, Alaska. Cold Regions Engineering and Research Laboratory, Hanover, N.H., Report 79-9.

[Diet, metformin and inositol in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: effects on body composition].

PubMed

Le Donne, M; Alibrandi, A; Giarrusso, R; Lo Monaco, I; Muraca, U

2012-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet alone, and in association with metformin in monotherapy or in cotreatment with myoinositol (MYO) on menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, body weight and composition in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Twenty-seven PCOS overweight/obese patients were randomly treated: nine with only diet (D); nine with diet and metformin 1000 mg/day continuously (D+M); nine with diet, metformin 500 mg/day and MYO 4 g/day plus 400 µg folic acid daily, continuously (D+M+I). Menstrual cycle, Ferriman-Gallwey score, body mass index (BMI), waist hip rate (WHR), body composition by BIA 101 of AKERN SRL, were measured on basal condition and at 3 months. Regularity of menstrual cycle was restored in a significantly number of patients of group D+M+I (P<0.05); Ferriman score was significantly improved by weight loss (P<0.05). Body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences decreased significantly in all groups without WHR modification; body weight loss significantly depended on adding metformin to diet. Fat mass (FM) kg and % was significantly reduced in groups D and D+M+I; fat free mass (FFM) kg was slightly reduced by diet (P<0.05) and correlated with Ferriman score. Body weight loss in obese PCOS patients improves symptoms and body composition; weight loss was dependent on adding metformin to diet; MYO was more effective in restoring regularity of menstrual cycle. Further investigation occurs to confirm metformin and MYO rule on body composition improvement, specially regarding FFM that is likewise FM correlated to cardiovascular risk.

How Trace Element Levels of Public Drinking Water Affect Body Composition in Turkey.

PubMed

Cetin, Ihsan; Nalbantcilar, Mahmut Tahir; Tosun, Kezban; Nazik, Aydan

2017-02-01

Since waterborne minerals appear in ionic form and are readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, drinking water could be a crucial source of mineral intake. However, no comprehensive research has yet determined how trace elements in drinking water relate to body composition. We aimed to assess the relationship between clinically important trace elements in public drinking water and body composition in average, overweight and obese individuals in Turkey. The study's population consisted of 423 participants: 143 overweight, 138 obese and 142 healthy control individuals, grouped according to clinical cutoff points of body mass index (BMI). We measured levels of lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), strontium (Sr), boron (B), aluminium (Al), barium (Ba) and rubidium (Rb) in samples from wells of municipal water by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We gauged all the participants' body composition measurements with a BC-418 body composition analyser. In all the participants, body weight values showed significant positive correlations with Ni levels in drinking water, as did BMI values with Al levels and percentage of obesity with Ni, Si and B levels. In particular, Ni levels showed significant positive correlations with the basal metabolic rate, activity calories, and total activity of participants. Giving findings showing correlations between obesity-related parameters and Al, Si, B and Ni content in drinking water, we hope that these associations will be clarified with further studies including cellular, experimental and clinical studies. Hence, medical practitioners must be aware of trace element levels in drinking water for overweight and obese patients.

Sarcopenia and age-related changes in body composition and functional capacity.

PubMed

Evans, W J; Campbell, W W

1993-02-01

Advancing adult age is associated with profound changes in body composition. One of the most prominent of these changes is sarcopenia, defined as the age-related loss in skeletal muscle mass, which results in decreased strength and aerobic capacity and thus functional capacity. Sarcopenia is also closely linked to age-related losses in bone mineral, basal metabolic rate and increased body fat content. Through physical exercise and training, especially resistance training, it may be possible to prevent sarcopenia and the remarkable array of associated abnormalities, such as type II diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and obesity. Using an exercise program of sufficient frequency, intensity and duration, it is quite possible to increase muscle strength and endurance at any age. There is no pharmacological intervention that holds a greater promise of improving health and promoting independence in the elderly than does exercise.

Frequency of Dietary Recalls, Nutritional Assessment, and Body Composition Assessment in Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

PubMed

Gorgey, Ashraf S; Caudill, Caleb; Sistrun, Sakita; Khalil, Refka E; Gill, Ranjodh; Castillo, Teodoro; Lavis, Timothy; Gater, David R

2015-09-01

To assess different frequencies of dietary recalls while evaluating caloric intake and the percentage of macronutrients in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to examine the relations between caloric intake or percentage of macronutrients and assessment of whole and regional body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Cross-sectional and longitudinal. Laboratory and hospital. Men with chronic (>1 y postinjury) motor complete SCI (N=16). Participants were asked to turn in a 5-day dietary recall on a weekly basis for 4 weeks. The averages of 5-, 3-, and 1-day dietary recalls for caloric intake and percentage of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein) were calculated. Body composition was evaluated using whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After overnight fast, basal metabolic rate (BMR) was evaluated using indirect calorimetry and total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated. Caloric intake, percentage of macronutrients, BMR, and body composition. Caloric intake and percentage of macronutrients were not different after using 5-, 3-, and 1-day dietary recalls (P>.05). Caloric intake was significantly lower than TEE (P<.05). The percentage of fat accounted for 29% to 34% of the whole and regional body fat mass (P=.037 and P=.022). The percentage of carbohydrates was positively related to the percentage of whole-body lean mass (r=.54; P=.037) and negatively related to the percentage of fat mass. The frequency of dietary recalls does not vary while evaluating caloric intake and macronutrients. Total caloric intake was significantly lower than the measured BMR and TEE. Percentages of dietary fat and carbohydrates are related to changes in body composition after SCI. Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of trace mineral sources on broiler performance, lymphoid organ weights, apparent digestibility, and bone mineralization.

PubMed

M'Sadeq, Shawkat A; Wu, Shu-Biao; Choct, Mingan; Swick, Robert A

2018-05-26

This experiment was conducted to examine the effect of trace mineral sources on broiler performance, carcass composition, trace mineral digestibility, and tibia bone quality of broiler chickens. A total of 480 Ross 308 male day-old chicks were allocated to 24 pens and assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments were as follows: inorganic (I) was basal diet supplemented with 750 g/t inorganic trace mineral premix; organic 1 (O1) and organic 2 (O2) was basal diet supplemented with 375 and 500 g/t organic yeast proteinate trace mineral premix respectively; and hydroxychloride (H) was basal diet supplemented with 1000 g/t salt encrusted trace mineral premix. On day 25, no differences in feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), or livability (LV) were observed between treatments (P > 0.05). On day 38 birds fed O1 and H had higher weight gain (P < 0.05) and lower FCR (P < 0.001) relative to I. Mineral sources had no impact on FI or LV (P > 0.05) on day 38. Spleen percentage of body weight on day 25 was increased in birds fed O1 and H treatments (P < 0.05) over the I treatment. Mineral sources had no effect on relative weights of thymus or bursa of Fabricius on day 25, or bone quality and carcass composition on day 39 (P > 0.05). Apparent digestibilities of Cu and Zn were greater in birds fed yeast proteinated trace minerals compared to other sources.

Interactions between serum leptin, the insulin-like growth factor-I system, and sex, age, anthropometric and body composition variables in a healthy population randomly selected.

PubMed

Gómez, José Manuel; Maravall, Francisco Javier; Gómez, Núria; Navarro, Miguel Angel; Casamitjana, Roser; Soler, Juan

2003-02-01

Leptin secretion is influenced by many factors and the GH/IGF axis plays an important role in the regulation of body composition, but the physiological interactions between leptin and the IGF-I system remain unknown. In this study we investigated the relationship between leptin, the IGF-I system, and sex, age, anthropometric and body composition variables in a group of healthy adults randomly selected. A cross-sectional study. The study included 268 subjects, representative of the whole population of the city of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat in sex and age distribution: 134 men aged 41.4 years, range 15-70 years; and 134 women, aged 40.7 years, range 15-70 years. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and body composition was determined by using a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Serum leptin concentrations were determined by using a radioimmunoassay (RIA). Serum total IGF-I concentrations, after acid-ethanol extraction, were also measured by RIA. Serum free IGF-I concentrations were determined by an enzymoimmunometric assay. Serum IGFBP3 concentrations were determined by RIA. Plasma basal TSH concentrations were determined by a specific electrochemiluminescence assay. In men the BMI was similar in all decades and waist/hip ratio increased in the last three decades. Fat-free mass decreased by decade. We observed an increase in leptin in the fourth decade with a decrease in IGF-I, free IGF-I and IGFBP3 throughout the decades. Basal TSH showed an increase in the last two decades. In women, BMI, waist/hip ratio and fat mass increased significantly in the last decades. Leptin concentrations increased in the last decades and total IGF-I, free IGF-I and IGFBP3 decreased by decade without changes in basal TSH concentration. In men, there was a positive correlation between leptin and BMI, waist/hip ratio, total body water, fat-free mass and fat mass, and these anthropometric and body composition variables showed a negative correlation with free IGF-I and IGFBP3, without any correlation with total IGF-I. In women, there was a positive correlation between leptin and BMI, waist/hip ratio, total body water, fat-free mass, and fat mass, which showed a negative correlation with total IGF-I and IGFBP3, without any correlation with free IGF-I. In men, total IGF-I was negatively correlated with waist/hip ratio without any correlation with the other variables and free IGF-I was negatively correlated with BMI and waist/hip ratio, and IGFBP3 did not show any correlation. In women, total IGF-I, free IGF-I and IGFBP3 were negatively correlated with BMI, waist/hip ratio and fat mass. The multiple linear regression analysis produced a model that explained 60.5% of leptin variability in men and 40% in women. Notably, only age, BMI, fat mass and waist/hip ratio brought an independent significant contribution to leptin variability. The final model also explained 28.2% and 60.4% of total IGF-I variability and 17.2% and 27.4% of free IGF-I variability in men and women, respectively. Age and leptin contributed to free IGF-I variability in men, and age and fat mass were significantly and independently associated with total IGF-I in women. In this well-characterized population of controls randomly selected without chronic disease or drug administration and with biochemically confirmed euthyroidism, we found that both men and women had a significant correlation between leptin levels and the IGF-I system, and anthropometric and body composition variables, but that leptin did not regulate the IGF-I system, and that the IGF-I system did not regulate leptin synthesis and secretion.

Seasonal thermoregulatory responses in mammals.

PubMed

Lovegrove, Barry G

2005-05-01

This study examined the proportional seasonal winter adjustments of total and mass-specific basal power (watts and watts g-1, respectively), thermal conductance (watts g-1 degrees C-1), non-shivering thermogenesis capacity (ratio of NST/basal power), body temperature ( degrees C), and body mass (g) of mammals. The responses are best summarized for three different body size classes; small mammals (<100 g), intermediate-sized mammals (0.1-10 kg), and large mammals (>10 kg). The principal adjustments of the small mammals center on energy conservation, especially the Dehnel Effect, the winter reduction in body size of as much as 50%, accompanied by reductions in mass-specific basal power. On average, these reductions reduce the total basal power approximately in direct proportion to the mass reductions. Reductions in mass-specific basal power are matched by concomitant reductions in conductance to maintain the setpoint body temperature during winter. The overall thermoregulatory adjustments in small mammals serve to (a) lower overall winter power consumption, (b) maintain the setpoint body temperature, and (c) lower the lower critical limit of thermoneutrality and hence thermoregulatory costs. In intermediate-size mammals, the seasonal response is centered more on increasing thermogenic capacity by increasing basal power and NST capacity, accompanied by predictable and large reductions in conductance. The Dehnel effect is negligible. Very large mammals undergo the largest reductions in total and mass-specific basal power and conductance. However, there are too few data to resolve whether the reductions in total basal power can be attributed to the Dehnel effect, because the moderate decreases in body mass may also be caused by nutritional stress. Apart from the seasonal changes in basal power, these observations are consistent with the predictions of Heldmaier's seasonal acclimatization model.

Combined oral contraceptives and body weight: do oral contraceptives cause weight gain? A primate model.

PubMed

Edelman, A; Jensen, J T; Bulechowsky, M; Cameron, J

2011-02-01

The aim of this study was to determine if oral contraceptive (OC) use affects body weight, body composition and metabolism in primates. Reproductive-age female rhesus monkeys of normal and obese BMI were studied to document baseline weight stability, then treated continuously with an OC (dosed to achieve equivalent human serum levels for a 30 µg ethinyl estradiol/150 µg levonorgestrel preparation) for 237 days. Monkeys were monitored for changes in body weight, levels of physical activity (measured by a triaxial Actical accelerometer), food/caloric intake, percent body fat (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, DEXA) and metabolism (24 h metabolic rate and serum metabolic substrate and hormone concentrations). All 10 monkeys completed the study protocol with no adverse events. While body weight (-0.73% change) and percent body fat (-1.78% change) of the normal BMI group did not significantly decrease from baseline, obese monkeys showed a significant decrease in body weight (-8.58% change, P < 0.01) and percent body fat (-12.13% change P = 0.02) with OC treatment. In both the obese (P = 0.03) and the normal BMI (P = 0.01) groups, there was a significant increase in basal metabolic rate with OC use. No changes were seen in food intake, activity level or % lean muscle mass with OC use for either BMI-based group. Overall, OC use appears to cause a slight increase in basal metabolic rate in female monkeys, leading to a decrease in body weight and percent body fat in obese individuals.

Effect of Weight Reduction on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and CD34-positive Cells in Circulation

PubMed Central

Mikirova, Nina A; Casciari, Joseph J; Hunninghake, Ronald E; Beezley, Margaret M

2011-01-01

Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk for the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia of obesity is characterized by elevated fasting triglycerides and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations. Endothelial damage and dysfunction is considered to be a major underlying mechanism for the elevated cardiovascular risk associated with increased adiposity. Alterations in endothelial cells and stem/endothelial progenitor cell function associated with overweight and obesity predispose to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. In our study, we analyzed the effect of a low calorie diet in combination with oral supplementation by vitamins, minerals, probiotics and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 125-180 IUs) on the body composition, lipid profile and CD34-positive cells in circulation. During this dieting program, the following parameters were assessed weekly for all participants: fat free mass, body fat, BMI, extracellular/intracellular water, total body water and basal metabolic rate. For part of participants blood chemistry parameters and circulating CD34-positive cells were determined before and after dieting. The data indicated that the treatments not only reduced body fat mass and total mass but also improved the lipid profile. The changes in body composition correlated with the level of lipoproteins responsible for the increased cardiovascular risk factors. These changes in body composition and lipid profile parameters coincided with the improvement of circulatory progenitor cell numbers. As the result of our study, we concluded that the improvement of body composition affects the number of stem/progenitor cells in circulation. PMID:21850193

Effect of weight reduction on cardiovascular risk factors and CD34-positive cells in circulation.

PubMed

Mikirova, Nina A; Casciari, Joseph J; Hunninghake, Ronald E; Beezley, Margaret M

2011-01-01

Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk for the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia of obesity is characterized by elevated fasting triglycerides and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations. Endothelial damage and dysfunction is considered to be a major underlying mechanism for the elevated cardiovascular risk associated with increased adiposity. Alterations in endothelial cells and stem/endothelial progenitor cell function associated with overweight and obesity predispose to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. In our study, we analyzed the effect of a low calorie diet in combination with oral supplementation by vitamins, minerals, probiotics and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 125-180 IUs) on the body composition, lipid profile and CD34-positive cells in circulation. During this dieting program, the following parameters were assessed weekly for all participants: fat free mass, body fat, BMI, extracellular/intracellular water, total body water and basal metabolic rate. For part of participants blood chemistry parameters and circulating CD34-positive cells were determined before and after dieting. The data indicated that the treatments not only reduced body fat mass and total mass but also improved the lipid profile. The changes in body composition correlated with the level of lipoproteins responsible for the increased cardiovascular risk factors. These changes in body composition and lipid profile parameters coincided with the improvement of circulatory progenitor cell numbers. As the result of our study, we concluded that the improvement of body composition affects the number of stem/progenitor cells in circulation.

Basal paravian functional anatomy illuminated by high-detail body outline

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaoli; Pittman, Michael; Zheng, Xiaoting; Kaye, Thomas G.; Falk, Amanda R.; Hartman, Scott A.; Xu, Xing

2017-01-01

Body shape is a fundamental expression of organismal biology, but its quantitative reconstruction in fossil vertebrates is rare. Due to the absence of fossilized soft tissue evidence, the functional consequences of basal paravian body shape and its implications for the origins of avians and flight are not yet fully understood. Here we reconstruct the quantitative body outline of a fossil paravian Anchiornis based on high-definition images of soft tissues revealed by laser-stimulated fluorescence. This body outline confirms patagia-bearing arms, drumstick-shaped legs and a slender tail, features that were probably widespread among paravians. Finely preserved details also reveal similarities in propatagial and footpad form between basal paravians and modern birds, extending their record to the Late Jurassic. The body outline and soft tissue details suggest significant functional decoupling between the legs and tail in at least some basal paravians. The number of seemingly modern propatagial traits hint that feathering was a significant factor in how basal paravians utilized arm, leg and tail function for aerodynamic benefit. PMID:28248287

An essential role of the basal body protein SAS-6 in Plasmodium male gamete development and malaria transmission

PubMed Central

Marques, Sara R; Ramakrishnan, Chandra; Carzaniga, Raffaella; Blagborough, Andrew M; Delves, Michael J; Talman, Arthur M; Sinden, Robert E

2015-01-01

Gametocytes are the sole Plasmodium parasite stages that infect mosquitoes; therefore development of functional gametes is required for malaria transmission. Flagellum assembly of the Plasmodium male gamete differs from that of most other eukaryotes in that it is intracytoplasmic but retains a key conserved feature: axonemes assemble from basal bodies. The centriole/basal body protein SAS-6 normally regulates assembly and duplication of these organelles and its depletion causes severe flagellar/ciliary abnormalities in a diverse array of eukaryotes. Since basal body and flagellum assembly are intimately coupled to male gamete development in Plasmodium, we hypothesized that SAS-6 disruption may cause gametogenesis defects and perturb transmission. We show that Plasmodium berghei sas6 knockouts display severely abnormal male gametogenesis presenting reduced basal body numbers, axonemal assembly defects and abnormal nuclear allocation. The defects in gametogenesis reduce fertilization and render Pbsas6 knockouts less infectious to mosquitoes. Additionally, we show that lack of Pbsas6 blocks transmission from mosquito to vertebrate host, revealing an additional yet undefined role in ookinete to sporulating oocysts transition. These findings underscore the vulnerability of the basal body/SAS-6 to malaria transmission blocking interventions. PMID:25154861

Chronic effect of light resistance exercise after ingestion of a high-protein snack on increase of skeletal muscle mass and strength in young adults.

PubMed

Kato, Yushi; Sawada, Atsushi; Numao, Shigeharu; Suzuki, Masashige

2011-01-01

We have previously reported on the possibility that light resistance exercise performed with a high plasma amino acid concentration resulting from the ingestion of a high-protein snack (HPS; 15 g protein, 18 g sugar) 3 h after a basal meal promotes the utilization of amino acids in peripheral tissues such as muscle in both rats and humans. In the present study, we further examined the effectiveness of a daily routine involving ingestion of HPS 3 h after a basal meal and subsequent light resistance exercise (dumbbell exercise) in increasing the mass and strength of human muscle. Ten young adult males were subject to the following 3 conditions for 5 wk each, with sufficient recovery period between each condition: (1) Snack-Exercise (SE), (2) Snack-Sedentary (SS), and (3) No snack-Exercise (NE). The SE group showed a significant increase in lean body mass and total cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right forearm muscles along with a significant decrease in body fat mass. The SS group showed no change in body composition. Furthermore, the SE group showed significant increase in grip strength and isometric knee extensor muscle strength, while the SS group showed no increase in muscle strength. The NE group showed significant increase in grip strength. In conclusion, daily routine ingestion of HPS 3 h after a basal meal and subsequent light resistance exercise is effective in increasing the mass and strength of human muscle.

Ana3 is a conserved protein required for the structural integrity of centrioles and basal bodies.

PubMed

Stevens, Naomi R; Dobbelaere, Jeroen; Wainman, Alan; Gergely, Fanni; Raff, Jordan W

2009-11-02

Recent studies have identified a conserved "core" of proteins that are required for centriole duplication. A small number of additional proteins have recently been identified as potential duplication factors, but it is unclear whether any of these proteins are components of the core duplication machinery. In this study, we investigate the function of one of these proteins, Drosophila melanogaster Ana3. We show that Ana3 is present in centrioles and basal bodies, but its behavior is distinct from that of the core duplication proteins. Most importantly, we find that Ana3 is required for the structural integrity of both centrioles and basal bodies and for centriole cohesion, but it is not essential for centriole duplication. We show that Ana3 has a mammalian homologue, Rotatin, that also localizes to centrioles and basal bodies and appears to be essential for cilia function. Thus, Ana3 defines a conserved family of centriolar proteins and plays an important part in ensuring the structural integrity of centrioles and basal bodies.

Rootletin interacts with C-Nap1 and may function as a physical linker between the pair of centrioles/basal bodies in cells.

PubMed

Yang, Jun; Adamian, Michael; Li, Tiansen

2006-02-01

Rootletin, a major structural component of the ciliary rootlet, is located at the basal bodies and centrosomes in ciliated and nonciliated cells, respectively. Here we investigated its potential role in the linkage of basal bodies/centrioles and the mechanism involved in such linkages. We show that rootletin interacts with C-Nap1, a protein restricted at the ends of centrioles and functioning in centrosome cohesion in interphase cells. Their interaction in vivo is supported by their colocalization at the basal bodies/centrioles and coordinated association with the centrioles during the cell cycle. Ultrastructural examinations demonstrate that rootletin fibers connect the basal bodies in ciliated cells and are present both at the ends of and in between the pair of centrioles in nonciliated cells. The latter finding stands in contrast with C-Nap1, which is present only at the ends of the centrioles. Transient expression of C-Nap1 fragments dissociated rootletin fibers from the centrioles, resulting in centrosome separation in interphase. Overexpression of rootletin in cells caused multinucleation, micronucleation, and irregularity of nuclear shape and size, indicative of defects in chromosome separation. These data suggest that rootletin may function as a physical linker between the pair of basal bodies/centrioles by binding to C-Nap1.

Sas-4 proteins are required during basal body duplication in Paramecium

PubMed Central

Gogendeau, Delphine; Hurbain, Ilse; Raposo, Graca; Cohen, Jean; Koll, France; Basto, Renata

2011-01-01

Centrioles and basal bodies are structurally related organelles composed of nine microtubule (MT) triplets. Studies performed in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos have shown that centriole duplication takes place in sequential way, in which different proteins are recruited in a specific order to assemble a procentriole. ZYG-1 initiates centriole duplication by triggering the recruitment of a complex of SAS-5 and SAS-6, which then recruits the final player, SAS-4, to allow the incorporation of MT singlets. It is thought that a similar mechanism (that also involves additional proteins) is present in other animal cells, but it remains to be investigated whether the same players and their ascribed functions are conserved during basal body duplication in cells that exclusively contain basal bodies. To investigate this question, we have used the multiciliated protist Paramecium tetraurelia. Here we show that in the absence of PtSas4, two types of defects in basal body duplication can be identified. In the majority of cases, the germinative disk and cartwheel, the first structures assembled during duplication, are not detected. In addition, if daughter basal bodies were formed, they invariably had defects in MT recruitment. Our results suggest that PtSas4 has a broader function than its animal orthologues. PMID:21289083

The rhizoplast of chrysomonads, a basal body-nucleus connector that polarises the dividing spindle.

PubMed

Brugerolle, G; Mignot, J-P

2003-09-01

An ultrastructure study of the rhizoplast in Synura petersenii, Mallomonas fastigiata, and M. insignis shows that it consists of 15-20 striated rootlets that form a claw or an incomplete cone over the nucleus. These rootlets course along one face of the nucleus between the nuclear membrane and the cis-face of the Golgi stack of cisternae. They converge and merge above the nucleus, forming a stub attached to the proximal section of the two basal bodies. These cross-striated rootlets are composed of closely packed longitudinal microfibrils. By immunofluorescence, the basal bodies and the rootlets forming the claw were decorated by the anti-centrin monoclonal antibody ICL19 raised against the Paramecium tetraurelia acidic centrin protein and by two antibodies raised against the striated parabasal and costal striated fibres of trichomonads. Only the anti-centrin monoclonal antibody 20H5 raised against Chlamydomonas reinhardtii centrin strongly labelled the 20-22 kDa protein bands from the extracted cytoskeleton of S. petersenii by immunoblotting. Electron micrographs of mitosis in S. petersenii cells revealed that the segregated pairs of basal bodies are linked by the striated rootlets of the rhizoplast to the poles of the mitotic spindle. The spindle microtubules arise perpendicularly from the striated rootlets of the basal body-nucleus connector forming the centrosome. In conclusion, in these cells there is a basal body-nucleus connector similar to that of C. reinhardtii and other chlorophytes. It contains centrin proteins, it is involved in the linkage of the basal bodies to the nucleus and is a component of the spindle pole body or centrosome in the dividing cell.

Purification and Characterization of the Bacterial Flagellar Basal Body from Salmonella enterica.

PubMed

Aizawa, Shin-Ichi

2017-01-01

The bacterial flagellum is a motility organelle. The flagellum is composed of three main structures: the basal body as a rotary engine embedded in the cellular membranes and cell wall, the long external filament that acts as a propeller, and the hook acting as a universal joint that connects them. I describe protocols for the purification of the filament and hook-basal body from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.

Body composition variables and leptin levels in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and amenorrhea related to eating disorders.

PubMed

Bruni, Vincenzina; Dei, Metella; Morelli, Chiara; Schettino, M Teresa; Balzi, Daniela; Nuvolone, Daniela

2011-12-01

The purpose of the study was to identify diagnostic criteria that can distinguish between subjects with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea largely related to minimal energy deficiency and those in whom failure of adaptive response to stress prevails. We studied 59 young women with secondary amenorrhea related to modest eating disorders and 58 who complained of stressful events in their history. We assessed anthropometric measurements, body composition using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and basal endocrine profile. Subjects with disordered eating had lower body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM) measured with both techniques, lumbar mineral density and direct and indirect measures of lean mass. Leptin and free tri-iodothyronine(FT(3)) concentrations also proved lower in the group of subjects with eating disorders, although there was no significant difference in cortisol between the two groups. Leptin levels were positively associated not only with fat mass, but also with body cell mass indexed to height and phase angle, parameters studied with BIA as expression of active lean compartment. A multivariate model confirmed the utility of integrating endocrine data with the study of body composition. The use of bioelectrical impedance analysis proved to be, in clinical use, a valid diagnostic alternative to DEXA, especially considering body cell mass and phase angle. Copyright © 2011 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Two appendages homologous between basal bodies and centrioles are formed using distinct Odf2 domains.

PubMed

Tateishi, Kazuhiro; Yamazaki, Yuji; Nishida, Tomoki; Watanabe, Shin; Kunimoto, Koshi; Ishikawa, Hiroaki; Tsukita, Sachiko

2013-11-11

Ciliogenesis is regulated by context-dependent cellular cues, including some transduced through appendage-like structures on ciliary basal bodies called transition fibers and basal feet. However, the molecular basis for this regulation is not fully understood. The Odf2 gene product, ODF2/cenexin, is essential for both ciliogenesis and the formation of the distal and subdistal appendages on centrioles, which become basal bodies. We examined the effects of Odf2 deletion constructs on ciliogenesis in Odf2-knockout F9 cells. Electron microscopy revealed that ciliogenesis and transition fiber formation required the ODF2/cenexin fragment containing amino acids (aa) 188-806, whereas basal foot formation required aa 1-59 and 188-806. These sequences also formed distal and subdistal appendages, respectively, indicating that the centriole appendages are molecularly analogous to those on basal bodies. We used the differential formation of appendages by Odf2 deletion constructs to study the incorporation and function of molecules associated with each appendage type. We found that transition fibers and distal appendages were required for ciliogenesis and subdistal appendages stabilized the centrosomal microtubules.

Comparison of glutathione peroxidase 1 and iodothyronine deiodinase 1 mRNA expression in murine liver after feeding selenite or selenized yeast.

PubMed

Qin, Shunyi; Huang, Kehe; Gao, Jianzhong; Huang, Da; Cai, Tanxi; Pan, Cuiling

2009-01-01

The experiment was conducted to compare the effect of different selenium sources on the expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (Dio1) mRNA in mice by quantitative real-time PCR. A total of 60 male Kunming mice at average body weight of 20 g were allotted to three groups in a randomized complete block design, namely two treatments and one control. Mice in Group 1 were fed a basal diet as control, while mice in Groups 2 and 3 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1mg/kg selenium as sodium selenite or selenized yeast, respectively. Whole feeding experiment lasted for 30 d. At the end of the feeding trial, liver mRNA levels of GPx1 and Dio1 were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, as well as growth performance, body composition, blood and GPx activity were determined. The results showed that no significant differences in overall growth performance and body composition, including body weight, body length, heart weight, kidney weight and liver weight, were found between the experimental groups (P>0.05). Blood GPx activity increased in all of the selenium supplemented groups compared with control group (P<0.01). However, blood GPx activity in selenized yeast group was higher than that in sodium selenite group (P<0.05). Liver mRNA levels of GPx1 and Dio1 also increased in the two selenium supplemented groups compared with the control group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the sodium selenite and selenized yeast groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, selenium increased the mRNA expression of GPx1 and Dio1 genes in murine liver, and there was no significant difference between the organic or inorganic form of selenium used.

The flagellar apparatus of heteroloboseans.

PubMed

Brugerolle, Guy; Simpson, Alastair G B

2004-01-01

The flagellar apparatus of four heterolobosean species Percolomonas descissus, Percolomonas sulcatus, Tetramitus rostratus, and Naegleria gruberi were examined. P. descissus lives in oxygen-poor water. It is a quadriflagellated cell with a ventral groove. The two pairs of basal bodies are connected to an apical structure from which the peripheral dorso-lateral microtubules and a short striated rhizoplast originate. There is one major microtubular root, R1, which originates from the posterior basal body pair and splits into left and right portions that support the sides of the ventral groove. The anterior pair of basal bodies is associated with a root of four to five microtubules that runs to the left of the groove. This organisation is similar to that previously reported for Psalteriomonas, Lyromonas, and Percolomonas cosmopolitus. Percolomonas sulcatus has two parallel pairs of basal bodies, each of which is associated with a well-developed R1 root. These roots divide to give two distinct left portions and one merged right portion that support the margins of the slit-like ventral groove. Tetramitus rostratus has two pairs of basal bodies, several rhizoplast fibres, and two R1 roots. Each R1 root supports one wall of the ventral groove. Naegleria gruberi may have two pairs of basal bodies, each associated with a microtubular root and one long rhizoplast fibre. From available data, a 'double bikont'-like organisation of the heterolobosean flagellar apparatus is inferred, where both of the eldest basal bodies have largely 'mature' complements of microtubular roots. The cytoskeletal organisation of heteroloboseans is compared to those of (other) excavates. Our structural data and existing molecular phylogenies weaken the case that Percolomonas, Psalteriomonas, and Lyromonas are phylogenetically separable from other heteroloboseans, undermining many of the highest-level taxa proposed for these organisms, including Percolozoa, Striatorhiza, Percolomonada, Percolomonadea, and Lyromonadea.

Basal body assembly in ciliates: the power of numbers

PubMed Central

Pearson, Chad G.; Winey, Mark

2009-01-01

Centrioles perform the dual functions of organizing both centrosomes and cilia. The biogenesis of nascent centrioles is an essential cellular event that is tightly coupled to the cell cycle so that each cell contains only two or four centrioles at any given point in the cell cycle. The assembly of centrioles and their analogs, basal bodies, is well characterized at the ultrastructural level whereby structural modules are built into a functional organelle. Genetic studies in model organisms combined with proteomic, bioinformatic, and identifying ciliary disease gene orthologs have revealed a wealth of molecules requiring further analysis to determine their roles in centriole duplication, assembly, and function. Nonetheless, at this stage our understanding of how molecular components interact to build new centrioles and basal bodies is limited. The ciliates, Tetrahymena and Paramecium, historically have been the subject of cytological and genetic study of basal bodies. Recent advances in the ciliate genetic and molecular toolkit have placed these model organisms in a favorable position to study the molecular mechanisms of centriole and basal body assembly. PMID:19192246

Zernike phase contrast cryo-electron tomography of sodium-driven flagellar hook-basal bodies from Vibrio alginolyticus.

PubMed

Hosogi, Naoki; Shigematsu, Hideki; Terashima, Hiroyuki; Homma, Michio; Nagayama, Kuniaki

2011-01-01

Vibrio alginolyticus use flagella to swim. A flagellum consists of a filament, hook and basal body. The basal body is made up of a rod and several ring structures. This study investigates the structure of the T ring which is a unique component of the V. alginolyticus sodium ion-driven flagellar basal body. Using Zernike phase contrast (ZPC) cryo-electron tomography, we compared the 3D structures of purified hook-basal bodies (HBB) from a wild-type strain (KK148) and a deletion mutant lacking MotX and MotY (TH3), which are thought to form the T ring. ZPC images of HBBs had highly improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to conventional phase contrast images. We observed the outline of the HBBs from strains KK148 and TH3, and the TH3 mutant was missing its T ring. In the wild-type strain, the T ring was beneath the LP ring and seemed to form a ring shape with diameter of 32 nm. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of dietary betaine on growth performance, fat deposition and serum lipids in broilers subjected to chronic heat stress.

PubMed

He, Shaojun; Zhao, Shujing; Dai, Sifa; Liu, Deyi; Bokhari, Shehla Gul

2015-10-01

We evaluated the effects of supplementing betaine on growth performance, fat deposition and lipid metabolism status in broilers kept under chronic heat stress. Five hundred and forty chicks were randomly divided into six groups and the two normal temperature groups were held at normal ambient temperature and fed the basal diet (CONT) and basal diet plus 0.1% betaine, respectively. Heat stressed (HS) broilers were held at 32 ± 1°C from days 22 to 42 and fed the basal diet containing variable levels of betaine. Broilers were examined at days 28, 35 and 42 for body weight, feed consumption, fat deposition and serum lipids. The CONT and betaine-supplemented groups showed higher (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) feed consumption, body weight gain, and lower feed : gain ratio compared with the HS-CONT group. Meanwhile, heat stress increased abdominal, intermuscular and subcutaneous fat deposition, whereas the supplemental betaine significantly decreased those compared with the HS-CONT group. Additionally, betaine supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride, free fatty acids, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with HS-CONT. Chronic HS reduces broiler production performance. However, betaine can reverse these negative effects partially and thus improve carcass composition by changing lipid metabolism. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Two appendages homologous between basal bodies and centrioles are formed using distinct Odf2 domains

PubMed Central

Tateishi, Kazuhiro; Yamazaki, Yuji; Nishida, Tomoki; Watanabe, Shin; Kunimoto, Koshi; Ishikawa, Hiroaki

2013-01-01

Ciliogenesis is regulated by context-dependent cellular cues, including some transduced through appendage-like structures on ciliary basal bodies called transition fibers and basal feet. However, the molecular basis for this regulation is not fully understood. The Odf2 gene product, ODF2/cenexin, is essential for both ciliogenesis and the formation of the distal and subdistal appendages on centrioles, which become basal bodies. We examined the effects of Odf2 deletion constructs on ciliogenesis in Odf2-knockout F9 cells. Electron microscopy revealed that ciliogenesis and transition fiber formation required the ODF2/cenexin fragment containing amino acids (aa) 188–806, whereas basal foot formation required aa 1–59 and 188–806. These sequences also formed distal and subdistal appendages, respectively, indicating that the centriole appendages are molecularly analogous to those on basal bodies. We used the differential formation of appendages by Odf2 deletion constructs to study the incorporation and function of molecules associated with each appendage type. We found that transition fibers and distal appendages were required for ciliogenesis and subdistal appendages stabilized the centrosomal microtubules. PMID:24189274

Definitions of Health Terms: General Health

MedlinePlus

... needs to stay healthy. You can start by learning these general health terms. Find more definitions on Fitness | General Health | Minerals | Nutrition | Vitamins Basal Body Temperature Basal body temperature is your temperature at rest ...

Centrioles to basal bodies in the spermiogenesis of Mastotermes darwiniensis (Insecta, Isoptera).

PubMed

Riparbelli, Maria Giovanna; Callaini, Giuliano; Mercati, David; Hertel, Horst; Dallai, Romano

2009-05-01

In addition to their role in centrosome organization, the centrioles have another distinct function as basal bodies for the formation of cilia and flagella. Centriole duplication has been reported to require two alternate assembly pathways: template or de novo. Since spermiogenesis in the termite Mastotermes darwiniensis lead to the formation of multiflagellate sperm, this process represents a useful model system in which to follow basal body formation and flagella assembly. We present evidence of a possible de novo pathway for basal body formation in the differentiating germ cell. This cell also contains typical centrosomal proteins, such as centrosomin, pericentrin-like protein, gamma-tubulin, that undergo redistribution as spermatid differentiation proceeds. The spermatid centrioles are long structures formed by nine doublet rather than triplet microtubules provided with short projections extending towards the surrounding cytoplasm and with links between doublets. The sperm basal bodies are aligned in parallel beneath the nucleus. They consist of long regions close to the nucleus showing nine doublets in a cartwheel array devoid of any projections; on the contrary, the short region close to the plasma membrane, where the sperm flagella emerge, is characterized by projections similar to those observed in the centrioles linking the basal body to the plasma membrane. It is hypothesized that this appearance is in connection with the centriole elongation and further with the flagellar axonemal organization. Microtubule doublets of sperm flagellar axonemes are provided with outer dynein arms, while inner arms are rarely visible. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Loss of Centrobin Enables Daughter Centrioles to Form Sensory Cilia in Drosophila.

PubMed

Gottardo, Marco; Pollarolo, Giulia; Llamazares, Salud; Reina, Jose; Riparbelli, Maria G; Callaini, Giuliano; Gonzalez, Cayetano

2015-08-31

Sensory cilia are organelles that convey information to the cell from the extracellular environment. In vertebrates, ciliary dysfunction results in ciliopathies that in humans comprise a wide spectrum of developmental disorders. In Drosophila, sensory cilia are found only in the neurons of type I sensory organs, but ciliary dysfunction also has dramatic consequences in this organism because it impairs the mechanosensory properties of bristles and chaetae and leads to uncoordination, a crippling condition that causes lethality shortly after eclosion. The cilium is defined by the ciliary membrane, a protrusion of the cell membrane that envelops the core structure known as the axoneme, a microtubule array that extends along the cilium from the basal body. In vertebrates, basal body function requires centriolar distal and subdistal appendages and satellites. Because these structures are acquired through centriole maturation, only mother centrioles can serve as basal bodies. Here, we show that although centriole maturity traits are lacking in Drosophila, basal body fate is reserved to mother centrioles in Drosophila type I neurons. Moreover, we show that depletion of the daughter-centriole-specific protein Centrobin (CNB) enables daughter centrioles to dock on the cell membrane and to template an ectopic axoneme that, although structurally defective, protrudes out of the cell and is enveloped by a ciliary membrane. Conversely, basal body capability is inhibited in mother centrioles modified to carry CNB. These results reveal the crucial role of CNB in regulating basal body function in Drosophila ciliated sensory organs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Components of feed efficiency in broiler breeding stock: energetics, performance, carcass composition, metabolism, and body temperature.

PubMed

Skinner-Noble, D O; Teeter, R G

2003-07-01

Two experiments were conducted to identify factors influencing feed conversion in broilers. The first experiment was conducted to develop a test for body temperature (BT) under mild handling stress. In the first experiment, BT was recorded periodically with birds briefly restrained after they had been removed from feed with either continuous lighting or 16L:8D. Body temperature was affected by photoperiod and declined following feed removal. The second experiment was conducted to investigate metabolic-physiologic differences existing between good (G) and poor (P) converting broilers, initially classified in a commercial breeding company's feed conversion (FCR) test. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) and BT were measured at the beginning and end of the FCR test following appropriate time without feed. Heat production (HP) was recorded throughout the study both for BMR calculations and to measure net energy (NE). Excreta were collected for measurement of AME, and at study termination, birds were analyzed for carcass composition. The G and P converters, however, had similar BMR and feed consumption but differed in AME (58 kcal/kg) and total NE (184 kcal/kg). Generally, G and P broilers had similar starting BW, but the G broilers gained more weight on the same amount of feed than did P broilers. The two BT measurements recorded in the present study were correlated with each other. The BT was also correlated with subsequent gain and FCR, indicating potential use as an indicator trait for feed conversion. Further, the data indicated that processes other than basal metabolism (measured as average hourly HP) may impact FCR. These might include variability in fear response during BT measurement or variations in bird activity level.

Resveratrol improves exercise performance and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in heart failure.

PubMed

Sung, Miranda M; Byrne, Nikole J; Robertson, Ian M; Kim, Ty T; Samokhvalov, Victor; Levasseur, Jody; Soltys, Carrie-Lynn; Fung, David; Tyreman, Neil; Denou, Emmanuel; Jones, Kelvin E; Seubert, John M; Schertzer, Jonathan D; Dyck, Jason R B

2017-04-01

We investigated whether treatment of mice with established pressure overload-induced heart failure (HF) with the naturally occurring polyphenol resveratrol could improve functional symptoms of clinical HF such as fatigue and exercise intolerance. C57Bl/6N mice were subjected to either sham or transverse aortic constriction surgery to induce HF. Three weeks postsurgery, a cohort of mice with established HF (%ejection fraction <45) was administered resveratrol (~450 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) or vehicle for 2 wk. Although the percent ejection fraction was similar between both groups of HF mice, those mice treated with resveratrol had increased total physical activity levels and exercise capacity. Resveratrol treatment was associated with altered gut microbiota composition, increased skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, a switch toward greater whole body glucose utilization, and increased basal metabolic rates. Although muscle mass and strength were not different between groups, mice with HF had significant declines in basal and ADP-stimulated O 2 consumption in isolated skeletal muscle fibers compared with sham mice, which was completely normalized by resveratrol treatment. Overall, resveratrol treatment of mice with established HF enhances exercise performance, which is associated with alterations in whole body and skeletal muscle energy metabolism. Thus, our preclinical data suggest that resveratrol supplementation may effectively improve fatigue and exercise intolerance in HF patients. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Resveratrol treatment of mice with heart failure leads to enhanced exercise performance that is associated with altered gut microbiota composition, increased whole body glucose utilization, and enhanced skeletal muscle metabolism and function. Together, these preclinical data suggest that resveratrol supplementation may effectively improve fatigue and exercise intolerance in heart failure via these mechanisms. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Compilation of basal metabolic and blood perfusion rates in various multi-compartment, whole-body thermoregulation models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shitzer, Avraham; Arens, Edward; Zhang, Hui

2016-07-01

The assignments of basal metabolic rates (BMR), basal cardiac output (BCO), and basal blood perfusion rates (BBPR) were compared in nine multi-compartment, whole-body thermoregulation models. The data are presented at three levels of detail: total body, specific body regions, and regional body tissue layers. Differences in the assignment of these quantities among the compared models increased with the level of detail, in the above order. The ranges of variability in the total body BMR was 6.5 % relative to the lowest value, with a mean of 84.3 ± 2 W, and in the BCO, it was 8 % with a mean of 4.70 ± 0.13 l/min. The least variability among the body regions is seen in the combined torso (shoulders, thorax, and abdomen: ±7.8 % BMR and ±5.9 % BBPR) and in the combined head (head, face, and neck ±9.9 % BMR and ±10.9 % BBPR), determined by the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean. Much more variability is apparent in the extremities with the most showing in the BMR of the feet (±117 %), followed by the BBPR in the arms (±61.3 %). In the tissue layers, most of the bone layers were assigned zero BMR and BBPR, except in the shoulders and in the extremities that were assigned non-zero values in a number of models. The next lowest values were assigned to the fat layers, with occasional zero values. Skin basal values were invariably non-zero but involved very low values in certain models, e.g., BBPR in the feet and the hands. Muscle layers were invariably assigned high values with the highest found in the thorax, abdomen, and legs. The brain, lung, and viscera layers were assigned the highest of all values of both basal quantities with those of the brain layers showing rather tight ranges of variability in both basal quantities. Average basal values of the "time-seasoned" models presented in this study could be useful as a first step in future modeling efforts subject to appropriate adjustment of values to conform to most recently available and reliable data.

An Alternative Model for the Role of RP2 Protein in Flagellum Assembly in the African Trypanosome*

PubMed Central

Andre, Jane; Kerry, Louise; Qi, Xin; Hawkins, Erica; Drižytė, Kristina; Ginger, Michael L.; McKean, Paul G.

2014-01-01

The tubulin cofactor C domain-containing protein TbRP2 is a basal body (centriolar) protein essential for axoneme formation in the flagellate protist Trypanosoma brucei, the causal agent of African sleeping sickness. Here, we show how TbRP2 is targeted and tethered at mature basal bodies and provide novel insight into TbRP2 function. Regarding targeting, understanding how several hundred proteins combine to build a microtubule axoneme is a fundamental challenge in eukaryotic cell biology. We show that basal body localization of TbRP2 is mediated by twinned, N-terminal TOF (TON1, OFD1, and FOP) and LisH motifs, motifs that otherwise facilitate localization of only a few conserved proteins at microtubule-organizing centers in animals, plants, and flagellate protists. Regarding TbRP2 function, there is a debate as to whether the flagellar assembly function of specialized, centriolar tubulin cofactor C domain-containing proteins is processing tubulin, the major component of axonemes, or general vesicular trafficking in a flagellum assembly context. Here we report that TbRP2 is required for the recruitment of T. brucei orthologs of MKS1 and MKS6, proteins that, in animal cells, are part of a complex that assembles at the base of the flagellum to regulate protein composition and cilium function. We also identify that TbRP2 is detected by YL1/2, an antibody classically used to detect α-tubulin. Together, these data suggest a general processing role for TbRP2 in trypanosome flagellum assembly and challenge the notion that TbRP2 functions solely in assessing tubulin “quality” prior to tubulin incorporation into the elongating axoneme. PMID:24257747

Systemic blockade of TNF-α does not improve insulin resistance in humans.

PubMed

Ferraz-Amaro, I; Arce-Franco, M; Muñiz, J; López-Fernández, J; Hernández-Hernández, V; Franco, A; Quevedo, J; Martínez-Martín, J; Díaz-González, F

2011-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether long-term modulation of inflammatory activity by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors has some influence on insulin resistance (IR). 16 active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients without CV risk factors treated with anti-TNF-α agents were included in this study. RA activity by disease activity score 28, IR by HOMA2-IR, body composition by impedance analysis, physical activity by accelerometry, abdominal fat distribution by magnetic resonance imaging, and serum level of key adipokines by ELISA were measured at baseline and during a 1-year follow-up period. Patient body mass index increased significantly (26.94 ± 3.88 vs. 28.06 ± 4.57 kg/m2, p=0.02) after 1 year of treatment. Body composition, in terms of fat and fat-free mass, remained unchanged except for a significant elevation in body cell mass (25.50 ± 4.60 vs. 26.60 ± 3.17 kg, p=0.02). Basal levels of IR in the RA patients included in this study were significantly higher than healthy controls (1.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.11 ± 0.56, p=0.011) but did not change during the follow-up. Nor did basal concentrations of adiponectin, visfatin, leptin, ghrelin, resistin, and apelin in response to anti-TNF-α treatment; only retinol-binding protein 4, showed a significant increase (51.7 ± 32.7 vs. 64.9 ± 28.4 μg/ml, p=0.03) at the end of the study. IR, adiposity distribution, and serum levels of most adipokines are not significantly affected by long-term inhibition of TNF-α in RA patients. Our data suggest that although systemic blockade of TNF-α exerts an anticachectic effect in RA patients, it does not seem to play a major role in IR. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Epiplasmins and epiplasm in paramecium: the building of a submembraneous cytoskeleton.

PubMed

Aubusson-Fleury, Anne; Bricheux, Geneviève; Damaj, Raghida; Lemullois, Michel; Coffe, Gérard; Donnadieu, Florence; Koll, France; Viguès, Bernard; Bouchard, Philippe

2013-07-01

In ciliates, basal bodies and associated appendages are bound to a submembrane cytoskeleton. In Paramecium, this cytoskeleton takes the form of a thin dense layer, the epiplasm, segmented into regular territories, the units where basal bodies are inserted. Epiplasmins, the main component of the epiplasm, constitute a large family of 51 proteins distributed in 5 phylogenetic groups, each characterized by a specific molecular design. By GFP-tagging, we analyzed their differential localisation and role in epiplasm building and demonstrated that: 1) The epiplasmins display a low turnover, in agreement with the maintenance of an epiplasm layer throughout the cell cycle; 2) Regionalisation of proteins from different groups allows us to define rim, core, ring and basal body epiplasmins in the interphase cell; 3) Their dynamics allows definition of early and late epiplasmins, detected early versus late in the duplication process of the units. Epiplasmins from each group exhibit a specific combination of properties. Core and rim epiplasmins are required to build a unit; ring and basal body epiplasmins seem more dispensable, suggesting that they are not required for basal body docking. We propose a model of epiplasm unit assembly highlighting its implication in structural heredity in agreement with the evolutionary history of epiplasmins. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Members of the Oral Microbiota Are Associated with IL-8 Release by Gingival Epithelial Cells in Healthy Individuals

PubMed Central

Schueller, Katharina; Riva, Alessandra; Pfeiffer, Stefanie; Berry, David; Somoza, Veronika

2017-01-01

The triggers for the onset of oral diseases are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the oral bacterial community in healthy humans and its association with nutrition, oral hygiene habits, and the release of the inflammatory marker IL-8 from gingival epithelial cells (GECs) with and without stimulation by bacterial endotoxins to identify possible indicator operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated with inflammatory marker status. GECs from 21 healthy participants (13 females, 8 males) were incubated with or without addition of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), and the oral microbiota was profiled using 16S rRNA gene-targeted sequencing. The basal IL-8 release after 6 h was between 9.9 and 98.2 pg/ml, and bacterial communities were characteristic for healthy oral microbiota. The composition of the oral microbiota was associated with basal IL-8 levels, the intake of meat, tea, white wine, sweets and the use of chewing gum, as well as flossing habits, allergies, gender and body mass index. Additionally, eight OTUs were associated with high basal levels of IL-8 and GEC response to LPS, with high basal levels of IL-8, and 1 with low basal levels of IL8. The identification of indicator bacteria in healthy subjects with high levels of IL-8 release is of importance as they may be promising early warning indicators for the possible onset of oral diseases. PMID:28360899

Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome

MedlinePlus

... develops. Some individuals may have thousands of basal cell cancers in areas of skin that are exposed to ... have been approved to treat people with basal cell cancers that have spread in the body or that ...

Energy metabolism in human obesity.

PubMed

Jéquier, E

1989-01-01

Obesity results from a chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Accurate measurements of total energy expenditure of lean and obese individuals with a respiration chamber have clearly shown that obese individuals expand more energy than lean sedentary subjects. Studies on the body composition of obese individuals reveal that not only the fat mass is enlarged, but the fat-free mass is also increased as compared with that of lean subjects. Since basal metabolic rate is proportional to the fat-free mass, obese subjects have a greater basal metabolic rate than lean controls. The energy cost of weight bearing activities such as walking and standing is related to body weight, and is therefore increased in obese individuals. The thermogenic response to food ingestion, the diet-induced thermogenesis, has been found to be reduced in some groups of obese people, but not in all obese individuals. The thermic effect of glucose or to meal ingestion is blunted in obese subjects with insulin resistance. Any alteration in thermogenic responses to a caloric excess can be important to store or to oxidize part of the excessive energy intake. After weight reduction in obese subjects due to a hypocaloric diet, the total 24-hour energy expenditure decreases by 20 to 25 kcal/day for each kilogram of weight loss. Failure to adapt the every day energy intake accordingly will result in body weight gain and relapse of obesity.

Lean Body Mass as a Predictive Value of Hypertension in Young Adults, in Ankara, Turkey

PubMed Central

VAZIRI, Yashar; BULDUK, Sidika; SHADMAN, Zhaleh; BULDUK, Emre Ozgur; HEDAYATI, Mehdi; KOC, Haluk; ER, Fatmanur; ERDOGAN, Ceren Suveren

2015-01-01

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive capacity of body composition estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to identify abnormal blood pressure in physical education and sport teaching students in the city of Ankara. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained in the city of Ankara in 2014. A total of 133 students aged 20–35 yr participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements were measured. Body composition was assessed by BIA. Physical activity level (PAL) and usual dietary intake were assessed. Pre-hypertension and hypertension were defined, respectively, as BP ≥120 and/or 80, and ≥140 and /or 90 mmHg. Results: More overweight students showed abnormal BP especially SBP (P=0.005 and 0.002, respectively). Age adjusted regression showed significant association between arm circumference (β= 0.176, P 0.044), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC) (β= 0.235, P 0.007), lean body mass (LBM) (β= 0.238, P 0.006), basal metabolism rate (BMR) (β= 0.219, P 0.012) and SBP and, also, MAMC (β= 0.201, P 0.022), LBM (β= 0.203, P 0.021), BMR (β= 0.189, P 0.030) and DBP. Fat intake was associated with DBP (β= 0.14, P =0.040). Multivariate regression models adjusted for age, BMI, WC and fat intake/kg body weight showed positive association of SBP with MAMC, BMR and LBM (P<0.05). Conclusion: The relationship between blood pressure and body composition in young adults may be associated to LBM and MAMC. LBM or MAMC in this population may be indirect indicators of heart muscle mass and heart pumping power. PMID:26811815

Lean Body Mass as a Predictive Value of Hypertension in Young Adults, in Ankara, Turkey.

PubMed

Vaziri, Yashar; Bulduk, Sidika; Shadman, Zhaleh; Bulduk, Emre Ozgur; Hedayati, Mehdi; Koc, Haluk; Er, Fatmanur; Erdogan, Ceren Suveren

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to assess the predictive capacity of body composition estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to identify abnormal blood pressure in physical education and sport teaching students in the city of Ankara. Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained in the city of Ankara in 2014. A total of 133 students aged 20-35 yr participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements were measured. Body composition was assessed by BIA. Physical activity level (PAL) and usual dietary intake were assessed. Pre-hypertension and hypertension were defined, respectively, as BP ≥120 and/or 80, and ≥140 and /or 90 mmHg. More overweight students showed abnormal BP especially SBP (P=0.005 and 0.002, respectively). Age adjusted regression showed significant association between arm circumference (β= 0.176, P 0.044), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC) (β= 0.235, P 0.007), lean body mass (LBM) (β= 0.238, P 0.006), basal metabolism rate (BMR) (β= 0.219, P 0.012) and SBP and, also, MAMC (β= 0.201, P 0.022), LBM (β= 0.203, P 0.021), BMR (β= 0.189, P 0.030) and DBP. Fat intake was associated with DBP (β= 0.14, P =0.040). Multivariate regression models adjusted for age, BMI, WC and fat intake/kg body weight showed positive association of SBP with MAMC, BMR and LBM (P<0.05). The relationship between blood pressure and body composition in young adults may be associated to LBM and MAMC. LBM or MAMC in this population may be indirect indicators of heart muscle mass and heart pumping power.

Entropy flow and entropy production in the human body in basal conditions.

PubMed

Aoki, I

1989-11-08

Entropy inflow and outflow for the naked human body in basal conditions in the respiration calorimeter due to infrared radiation, convection, evaporation of water and mass-flow are calculated by use of the energetic data obtained by Hardy & Du Bois. Also, the change of entropy content in the body is estimated. The entropy production in the human body is obtained as the change of entropy content minus the net entropy flow into the body. The entropy production thus calculated becomes positive. The magnitude of entropy production per effective radiating surface area does not show any significant variation with subjects. The entropy production is nearly constant at the calorimeter temperatures of 26-32 degrees C; the average in this temperature range is 0.172 J m-2 sec-1 K-1. The forced air currents around the human body and also clothing have almost no effect in changing the entropy production. Thus, the entropy production of the naked human body in basal conditions does not depend on its environmental factors.

Lixisenatide plus basal insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Charbonnel, Bernard; Bertolini, Monica; Tinahones, Francisco J; Domingo, Manuel Puig; Davies, Melanie

2014-01-01

The efficacy of the once-daily prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide plus basal insulin in T2DM was assessed by pooling results of phase III trials. A meta-analysis was performed of results from three trials in the GetGoal clinical program concerning lixisenatide or placebo plus basal insulin with/without OADs. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24. Secondary endpoints were change in PPG, FPG, insulin dose, and weight from baseline to week 24. Hypoglycemia rates and several composite endpoints were assessed. Lixisenatide plus basal insulin was significantly more effective than basal insulin alone at reducing HbA1c at 24 weeks. Composite and secondary endpoints were improved significantly with lixisenatide plus basal insulin, with the exception of FPG, which showed no significant difference between the groups. Lixisenatide plus basal insulin was associated with an increased incidence of hypoglycemia versus basal insulin alone. Lixisenatide plus basal insulin resulted in significant improvement in glycemic control versus basal insulin alone, particularly in terms of controlling PPG. Prandial lixisenatide in combination with basal insulin is a suitable option for treatment intensification in patients with T2DM insufficiently controlled with basal insulin, as these agents have complementary effects on PPG and FPG, respectively. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Compensatory mechanisms activated with intermittent energy restriction: A randomized control trial.

PubMed

Coutinho, Sílvia Ribeiro; Halset, Eline Holli; Gåsbakk, Sigrid; Rehfeld, Jens F; Kulseng, Bård; Truby, Helen; Martins, Cátia

2018-06-01

Strong compensatory responses, with reduced resting metabolic rate (RMR), increased exercise efficiency (ExEff) and appetite, are activated when weight loss (WL) is achieved with continuous energy restriction (CER), which try to restore energy balance. Intermittent energy restriction (IER), where short spells of energy restriction are interspaced by periods of habitual energy intake, may offer some protection in minimizing those responses. We aimed to compare the effect of IER versus CER on body composition and the compensatory responses induced by WL. 35 adults (age: 39 ± 9 y) with obesity (BMI: 36 ± 4 kg/m 2 ) were randomized to lose a similar weight with an IER (N = 18) or a CER (N = 17) diet over a 12 week period. Macronutrient composition and overall energy restriction (33% reduction) were similar between groups. Body weight/composition, RMR, fasting respiratory quotient (RQ), ExEff (10, 25, and 50 W), subjective appetite ratings (hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption (PFC)), and appetite-regulating hormones (active ghrelin (AG), cholecystokinin (CCK), total peptide YY (PYY), active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and insulin) were measured before and after WL. Changes in body weight (≈12.5% WL) and composition were similar in both groups. Fasting RQ and ExEff at 10 W increased in both groups. Losing weight, either by IER or CER dieting, did not induce significant changes in subjective appetite ratings. RMR decreased and ExEff at 25 and 50 W increased (P < 0.001 for all) in IER group only. Basal and postprandial AG increased (P < 0.05) in IER group, whereas basal active GLP-1 decreased (P = 0.033) in CER group only. Postprandial CCK decreased in both groups (P = 0.0012 and P = 0.009 for IER and CER groups, respectively). No between group differences were apparent for any of the outcomes. The technique used to achieve energy restriction, whether it is continuous or intermittent, does not appear to modulate the compensatory mechanisms activated by weight loss. NCT02169778 (the study was registered in clinicaltrial.gov). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Somatotype and body composition analysis of Korean youth soccer players according to playing position for sports physiotherapy research

PubMed Central

Noh, Ji-Woong; Kim, Mee-Young; Lee, Lim-Kyu; Park, Byoung-Sun; Yang, Seung-Min; Jeon, Hye-Joo; Lee, Won-Deok; Kim, Ju-Hyun; Lee, Jeong-Uk; Kwak, Taek-Yong; Lee, Tae-Hyun; Kim, Ju-Young; Kim, Junghwan

2015-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the somatotype and physical characteristic differences among elite youth soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] In the present study, we evaluated twenty-two Korean youth soccer players in different playing positions. The playing positions were divided into forward (FW), midfielder (MF), defender (DF), and goalkeeper (GK). The participants’ lean body mass (LBM), fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were measured and their somatotype determined according to the Heath-Carter method. [Results] The youth soccer players had twelve ectomorphic, eight mesomorphic, and two central predominant types. The DFs were taller than, but otherwise similar in physical characteristics to the FWs and MFs. The GKs were taller and heavier than the other players; however, their somatotype components were not significantly different. LBM, FFM, and BMR were significantly higher in GKs than in FWs and MFs. Although LBM, FFM, and BMR values between GKs and DFs showed large differences, they were not statistically significant. [Conclusion] The present study may contribute to our understanding of the differences in somatotype and body composition of Korean youth soccer players involved in sports physiotherapy research. PMID:25995545

Somatotype and body composition analysis of Korean youth soccer players according to playing position for sports physiotherapy research.

PubMed

Noh, Ji-Woong; Kim, Mee-Young; Lee, Lim-Kyu; Park, Byoung-Sun; Yang, Seung-Min; Jeon, Hye-Joo; Lee, Won-Deok; Kim, Ju-Hyun; Lee, Jeong-Uk; Kwak, Taek-Yong; Lee, Tae-Hyun; Kim, Ju-Young; Kim, Junghwan

2015-04-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the somatotype and physical characteristic differences among elite youth soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] In the present study, we evaluated twenty-two Korean youth soccer players in different playing positions. The playing positions were divided into forward (FW), midfielder (MF), defender (DF), and goalkeeper (GK). The participants' lean body mass (LBM), fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were measured and their somatotype determined according to the Heath-Carter method. [Results] The youth soccer players had twelve ectomorphic, eight mesomorphic, and two central predominant types. The DFs were taller than, but otherwise similar in physical characteristics to the FWs and MFs. The GKs were taller and heavier than the other players; however, their somatotype components were not significantly different. LBM, FFM, and BMR were significantly higher in GKs than in FWs and MFs. Although LBM, FFM, and BMR values between GKs and DFs showed large differences, they were not statistically significant. [Conclusion] The present study may contribute to our understanding of the differences in somatotype and body composition of Korean youth soccer players involved in sports physiotherapy research.

SPRUCE S1 Bog Tree Basal Area and Understory Community Composition Assessed in the Southern and Northern Ends of the S1 Bog

DOE Data Explorer

Iversen, C. M. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Garrett, A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Martin, A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Turetsky, M. R. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Norby, R. J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Childs, J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Ontl, T. A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A

2017-01-01

The composition and cover of woody and understory species, along with the timing of stem growth, were characterized near minirhizotron installations at the south and north ends of the S1 bog in order to understand the relationship between root dynamics and the surrounding plant communities. There are three data streams: (1) Woody species basal area -- the number, basal area, and distance from the center point of all trees within a 5-m radius of each minirhizotron pair, which were quantified in 2011, (2) Understory cover -- the understory vascular plant community composition and percent cover, which were surveyed in 1 m2 areas at four cardinal directions adjacent to each pair of minirhizotrons in June 2011, and (3) Stem growth -- the basal area increment (stem growth) of nearby trees, which was quantified using automated or manual dendrobands in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Centrioles want to move out and make cilia.

PubMed

Pearson, Chad G; Culver, Brady P; Winey, Mark

2007-09-01

Cilia formation in mammalian cells requires basal bodies that are either derived from centrioles that transition from their cytoplasmic role in centrosome organization or that form en masse in multiciliated cells. Several recent studies have begun to uncover the links between centriole duplication and their transformation to basal bodies.

Modeling the Effects of Fire Frequency and Severity on Forests in the Northwestern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Busing, Richard T.; Solomon, Allen M.

2006-01-01

This study used a model of forest dynamics (FORCLIM) and actual forest survey data to demonstrate the effects of various fire regimes on different forest types in the Pacific Northwest. We examined forests in eight ecoregions ranging from wet coastal forests dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii and other tall conifers to dry interior forests dominated by Pinus ponderosa. Fire effects simulated as elevated mortality of trees based on their species and size did alter forest structure and species composition. Low frequency fires characteristic of wetter forests (return interval >200 yr) had minor effects on composition. When fires were severe, they tended to reduce total basal area with little regard to species differences. High frequency fires characteristic of drier forests (return interval <30 yr) had major effects on species composition and on total basal area. Typically, they caused substantial reductions in total basal area and shifts in dominance toward highly fire tolerant species. With the addition of fire, simulated basal areas averaged across ecoregions were reduced to levels approximating observed basal areas.

Human gut bacterial communities are altered by addition of cruciferous vegetables to a controlled fruit- and vegetable-free diet.

PubMed

Li, Fei; Hullar, Meredith A J; Schwarz, Yvonne; Lampe, Johanna W

2009-09-01

In the human gut, commensal bacteria metabolize food components that typically serve as energy sources. These components have the potential to influence gut bacterial community composition. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, contain distinctive compounds that can be utilized by gut bacteria. For example, glucosinolates can be hydrolyzed by certain bacteria, and dietary fibers can be fermented by a range of species. We hypothesized that cruciferous vegetable consumption would alter growth of certain bacteria, thereby altering bacterial community composition. We tested this hypothesis in a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding study. Fecal samples were collected from 17 participants at the end of 2 14-d intake periods: a low-phytochemical, low-fiber basal diet (i.e. refined grains without fruits or vegetables) and a high ("double") cruciferous vegetable diet [basal diet + 14 g cruciferous vegetables/(kg body weightd)]. Fecal bacterial composition was analyzed by the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (tRFLP) method using the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and nucleotide sequencing. Using blocked multi-response permutation procedures analysis, we found that overall bacterial community composition differed between the 2 consumption periods (delta = 0.603; P = 0.011). The bacterial community response to cruciferous vegetables was individual-specific, as revealed by nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination analysis. Specific tRFLP fragments that characterized each of the diets were identified using indicator species analysis. Putative species corresponding to these fragments were identified through gene sequencing as Eubacterium hallii, Phascolarctobacterium faecium, Burkholderiales spp., Alistipes putredinis, and Eggerthella spp. In conclusion, human gut bacterial community composition was altered by cruciferous vegetable consumption, which could ultimately influence gut metabolism of bioactive food components and host exposure to these compounds.

Tree species composition affects the abundance of rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) in urban forests in Finland.

PubMed

Hamberg, Leena; Lehvävirta, Susanna; Kotze, D Johan; Heikkinen, Juha

2015-03-15

Recent studies have shown a considerable increase in the abundance of rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) saplings in urban forests in Finland, yet the reasons for this increase are not well understood. Here we investigated whether canopy cover or tree species composition, i.e., the basal areas of different tree species in Norway spruce dominated urban forests, affects the abundances of rowan seedlings, saplings and trees. Altogether 24 urban forest patches were investigated. We sampled the number of rowan and other saplings, and calculated the basal areas of trees. We showed that rowan abundance was affected by tree species composition. The basal area of rowan trees (≥ 5 cm in diameter at breast height, dbh) decreased with increasing basal area of Norway spruce, while the cover of rowan seedlings increased with an increase in Norway spruce basal area. However, a decrease in the abundance of birch (Betula pendula) and an increase in the broad-leaved tree group (Acer platanoides, Alnus glutinosa, Alnus incana, Amelanchier spicata, Prunus padus, Quercus robur, Rhamnus frangula and Salix caprea) coincided with a decreasing number of rowans. Furthermore, rowan saplings were scarce in the vicinity of mature rowan trees. Although it seems that tree species composition has an effect on rowan, the relationship between rowan saplings and mature trees is complex, and therefore we conclude that regulating tree species composition is not an easy way to keep rowan thickets under control in urban forests in Finland. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differential expression of extracellular matrix molecules and the alpha 6-integrins in the normal and neoplastic prostate.

PubMed Central

Knox, J. D.; Cress, A. E.; Clark, V.; Manriquez, L.; Affinito, K. S.; Dalkin, B. L.; Nagle, R. B.

1994-01-01

The epithelial basal lamina composition and integrin expression profile of normal and neoplastic human prostate was characterized using immunohistochemical analysis of frozen samples. The major components of the basal lamina surrounding normal acini were laminin, type IV collagen, entactin, and type VII collagen with variable amounts of tenascin. The basal lamina of neoplastic acini had a similar composition, except for the loss of type VII collagen, which was observed in all grades of carcinoma. The basal cells of the normal prostate express the alpha 6-, beta 1-, and beta 4-integrin subunits, suggesting that both the alpha 6 beta 1- and alpha 6 beta 4-integrin complexes are formed. In prostate carcinoma there is a complete loss of beta 4 expression and the alpha 6- and beta 1-integrin subunits, which are restricted to the basal and basal lateral surfaces of basal cells, are distributed diffusely throughout the cytoplasmic membrane. The differential expression of type VII collagen and beta 4 are discussed in relationship to their possible role in tumor progression. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:8030747

Microtubules Enable the Planar Cell Polarity of Airway Cilia

PubMed Central

Vladar, Eszter K.; Bayly, Roy D.; Sangoram, Ashvin; Scott, Matthew P.; Axelrod, Jeffrey D.

2012-01-01

Summary Background Airway cilia must be physically oriented along the longitudinal tissue axis for concerted, directional motility that is essential for proper mucociliary clearance. Results We show that Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling specifies directionality and orients respiratory cilia. Within all airway epithelial cells a conserved set of PCP proteins shows interdependent, asymmetric junctional localization; non-autonomous signaling coordinates polarization between cells; and a polarized microtubule (MT) network is likely required for asymmetric PCP protein localization. We find that basal bodies dock after polarity of PCP proteins is established, are polarized nearly simultaneously, and refinement of basal body/cilium orientation continues during airway epithelial development. Unique to mature multiciliated cells, we identify PCP-regulated, planar polarized MTs that originate from basal bodies and interact, via their plus ends, with membrane domains associated with the PCP proteins Frizzled and Dishevelled. Disruption of MTs leads to misoriented cilia. Conclusions A conserved PCP pathway orients airway cilia by communicating polarity information from asymmetric membrane domains at the apical junctions, through MTs, to orient the MT and actin based network of ciliary basal bodies below the apical surface. PMID:23122850

Longitudinal changes in body composition and metabolic profile between exercise clinical trials in men with chronic spinal cord injury

PubMed Central

Gorgey, Ashraf S.; Martin, Heather; Metz, Alyse; Khalil, Refka E.; Dolbow, David R.; Gater, David R.

2016-01-01

Study design Longitudinal design. Objectives The study was undertaken to determine the effects of cessation of exercise interventions on body composition and metabolic profiles in men with chronic SCI. Settings Clinical trials within a Medical Center. Methods Eleven men with motor complete SCI were followed on average over a period of 2.5 years. Six men were involved in two different exercise interventions (functional electrical stimulation cycling versus arm cycling ergometer), 5 days/week for 16 weeks (exercise group), and five men served as a control (control group). Anthropometrics and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were captured to measure changes in lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), percentage FM before, immediately after exercise, and after a period of 2.5 years. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) and lipid panel were also measured. Results Thigh circumference increased by 8.5% following exercise (P = 0.042) and remained 6.4% greater than baseline measurements (P = 0.012). Leg LM increased by 9% following the exercise intervention (P = 0.03) and decreased by 16% in the follow-up visit (P = 0.02). Percentage trunk and total body FM increased by 4.5% (P = 0.008) and 3.5% (P = 0.019) in the follow-up visit, respectively, and whole body LM increased by 8.4% and decreased back by 5.4% following a 2.5 year-period. BMR significantly decreased by 15.5% following the exercise (P = 0.029) interventions. Conclusion Exercise training is accompanied with positive changes in body composition as well as compensatory decrease in BMR, that regressed back following 2.5 years of exercise cessation. Participation in an exercise trial is unlikely to confound the measurements of a follow-up trial. PMID:27077574

Intracerebroventricular tempol administration in older rats reduces oxidative stress in the hypothalamus but does not change STAT3 signalling or SIRT1/AMPK pathway.

PubMed

Toklu, Hale Z; Scarpace, Philip J; Sakarya, Yasemin; Kirichenko, Nataliya; Matheny, Michael; Bruce, Erin B; Carter, Christy S; Morgan, Drake; Tümer, Nihal

2017-01-01

Hypothalamic inflammation and increased oxidative stress are believed to be mechanisms that contribute to obesity. 4-Hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (tempol), a free radical scavenger, has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. We hypothesized that brain infusion of tempol would reduce oxidative stress, and thus would reduce food intake and body weight and improve body composition in rats with age-related obesity and known elevated oxidative stress. Furthermore, we predicted an associated increase in markers of leptin signalling, including the silent mating type information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1)/5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. For this purpose, osmotic minipumps were placed in the intracerebroventricular region of young (3 months) and aged (23 months) male Fischer 344 x Brown Norway rats for the continuous infusion of tempol or vehicle for 2 weeks. Tempol significantly decreased (p < 0.01) nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity in the hypothalamus but failed to reduce food intake or weight gain and did not alter body composition. SIRT1 activity and Acetyl p53 were decreased and phosphorylation of AMPK was increased with age, but they were unchanged with tempol. Basal phosphorylation of STAT3 was unchanged with age or tempol. These results indicate that tempol decreases oxidative stress but fails to alter feeding behaviour, body weight, or body composition. Moreover, tempol does not modulate the SIRT1/AMPK/p53 pathway and does not change leptin signalling. Thus, a reduction in hypothalamic oxidative stress is not sufficient to reverse age-related obesity.

Energy requirements of lactating women derived from doubly labeled water and milk energy output.

PubMed

Butte, N F; Wong, W W; Hopkinson, J M

2001-01-01

Instead of using an incremental approach to assess the energy requirements of lactation, a more comprehensive approach may be taken by measuring total energy expenditure (TEE), milk energy output and energy mobilization from tissue stores. The latter approach avoids assumptions regarding energetic efficiency and changes in physical activity and adiposity. The purpose of this study was threefold: to assess the energy requirements of lactation; to compare these estimates with energy requirements in the nonpregnant, nonlactating state and to test for energetic adaptations in basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity during the energy-demanding process of lactation. Milk production and composition, body weight and composition, TEE, BMR and physical activity levels were measured in 24 well-nourished women during exclusive breastfeeding at 3 mo postpartum and after the cessation of breastfeeding at 18 or 24 mo postpartum. TEE was measured by the doubly labeled water method, milk production by 3-d test-weighing, milk energy by bomb calorimetry on a 24-h milk sample, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and BMR by room respiration calorimetry. TEE, BMR and physical activity level (physical activity level = TEE/BMR) did not differ between the lactating and nonlactating state (TEE 10.0 +/- 1.5 versus 10.6 +/- 2.1 MJ/d). Mean milk energy output was equivalent to 2.02 +/- 0.33 MJ/d. Total energy requirements were greater during lactation than afterward (12.0 +/- 1.4 versus 10.6 +/- 2.1 MJ/d, P: = 0.002). Energy mobilization from tissue stores (-0.65 +/- 0.97 MJ/d) resulted in net energy requirements during lactation of 11.4 +/- 1.8 MJ/d. Because adaptations in basal metabolism and physical activity were not evident in these well-nourished women, energy requirements during lactation were met primarily from the diet and only partially by mobilization of tissue stores.

The difficulty with correlations: Energy expenditure and brain mass in bats.

PubMed

McNab, Brian K; Köhler, Meike

2017-10-01

Brain mass has been suggested to determine a mammal's energy expenditure. This potential dependence is examined in 48 species of bats. A correlation between characters may be direct or derived from shared correlations with intervening factors without a direct interaction. Basal rate of metabolism in these bats increases with brain mass: large brains are more expensive than small brains, and both brain mass and basal rate increase with body mass. Basal rate and brain mass also correlate with food habits in bats. Mass-independent basal rate weakly correlates with mass-independent brain mass, the correlation only accounting for 12% of the variation in basal rate, which disappears when the combined effects of body mass and food habits are deleted. The correlation between basal rate and brain mass seen in this and other studies usually accounts for <10% of the variation in basal rate and often <4%, even when statistically significant, a minimalist explanation for the level the basal rate. This correlation probably reflects the intermediacy of secondary factors, as occurred with food habits in bats. Most biological correlations are complicated and must be examined in detail before assurance can be given as to their bases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Obesity-associated variants within FTO form long-range functional connections with IRX3.

PubMed

Smemo, Scott; Tena, Juan J; Kim, Kyoung-Han; Gamazon, Eric R; Sakabe, Noboru J; Gómez-Marín, Carlos; Aneas, Ivy; Credidio, Flavia L; Sobreira, Débora R; Wasserman, Nora F; Lee, Ju Hee; Puviindran, Vijitha; Tam, Davis; Shen, Michael; Son, Joe Eun; Vakili, Niki Alizadeh; Sung, Hoon-Ki; Naranjo, Silvia; Acemel, Rafael D; Manzanares, Miguel; Nagy, Andras; Cox, Nancy J; Hui, Chi-Chung; Gomez-Skarmeta, Jose Luis; Nóbrega, Marcelo A

2014-03-20

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reproducibly associated variants within introns of FTO with increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although the molecular mechanisms linking these noncoding variants with obesity are not immediately obvious, subsequent studies in mice demonstrated that FTO expression levels influence body mass and composition phenotypes. However, no direct connection between the obesity-associated variants and FTO expression or function has been made. Here we show that the obesity-associated noncoding sequences within FTO are functionally connected, at megabase distances, with the homeobox gene IRX3. The obesity-associated FTO region directly interacts with the promoters of IRX3 as well as FTO in the human, mouse and zebrafish genomes. Furthermore, long-range enhancers within this region recapitulate aspects of IRX3 expression, suggesting that the obesity-associated interval belongs to the regulatory landscape of IRX3. Consistent with this, obesity-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with expression of IRX3, but not FTO, in human brains. A direct link between IRX3 expression and regulation of body mass and composition is demonstrated by a reduction in body weight of 25 to 30% in Irx3-deficient mice, primarily through the loss of fat mass and increase in basal metabolic rate with browning of white adipose tissue. Finally, hypothalamic expression of a dominant-negative form of Irx3 reproduces the metabolic phenotypes of Irx3-deficient mice. Our data suggest that IRX3 is a functional long-range target of obesity-associated variants within FTO and represents a novel determinant of body mass and composition.

Effect of Different Proportions of Agrowaste on Cultivation Yield and Nutritional Composition of the Culinary-Medicinal Jelly Mushroom Auricularia polytricha (Higher Basidiomycetes).

PubMed

Wu, Chiu-Yeh; Liang, Chih-Hung; Wu, Kuan-Jzen; Shih, Hsin-Der; Liang, Zeng-Chin

2017-01-01

In this study, Auricularia polytricha was cultivated on a sawdust basal substrate supplemented with different proportions (30%, 45%, and 60%, respectively) of agrowastes-sugarcane bagasse (SB), rice straw (RS), and rice husk (RH)-to evaluate the alternative substrates. The mycelial growth rate, total colonization time, time to first primordia, biological efficiency, and chemical composition of the fruiting bodies were determined. Results indicated that the 60% SB substrate was the best substrate for mycelial growth of A. polytricha, with a corresponding total colonization period of 35.2 days, followed by the control (35.5 days) and 45% SB (36.2 days) substrates. The most suitable substrate with a high biological efficiency was 60% RS substrate (159.14%), followed by the 45% SB (128.45%), and 20% RH (124.47%) substrates. The nutrient values of fruiting bodies showed the largest amounts of ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and energy cultivated on 60% SB, 60% SB, 30% SB, 30% RH, and 30% RH/the control substrates, respectively. The results indicated that 60% RS was an appropriate substrate for A. polytricha cultivation.

Comparison of resting and total energy expenditure in peritoneal dialysis patients and body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

PubMed

El-Kateb, S; Sridharan, S; Farrington, K; Davenport, A

2016-11-01

Under basal resting conditions muscle metabolism is reduced, whereas metabolism increases with physical activity. We wished to determine whether there was an association between resting energy expenditure (REE) and total energy expenditure (TEE) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and lean body mass (LBM). We determined REE and TEE by recently validated equations, using doubly labelled isotopic water, and LBM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. We studied 87 patients, 50 male (57.4%), 25 diabetic (28.7%), mean age 60.3±17.6 years, with a median PD treatment of 11.4 (4.7-29.5) months. The mean weight was 70.1±17.7 kg with a REE of 1509±245 kcal/day and TEE 1947±378 kcal/day. REE was associated with body size (weight r=0.78 and body mass index (BMI) r=0.72) and body composition (LBM r=0.77, lean body mass index (LBMI) r=0.76, r=0.62), all P<0.001). For TEE, there was an association with weight r=0.58, BMI r=0.49 and body composition (LBM r=0.64, LBMI (r=0.54), all P<0.001). We compared LBMI measured by DXA and that estimated by the Boer equation using anthropomorphic measurements, which overestimated and underestimated LBM for smaller patients and heavier patients, respectively. Muscle metabolism is reduced at rest and increases with physical activity. Whereas previous reports based on REE did not show any association with LBM, we found an association between both REE and TEE, using a recently validated equation derived from dialysis patients, and LBM measured by DXA scanning. Estimation of muscle mass from anthropomorphic measurements systematically overestimated LBM for small patients and conversely underestimated for heavier patients.

Lipid metabolism and body composition in Gclm(-/-) mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kendig, Eric L.; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267; Chen, Ying

2011-12-15

In humans and experimental animals, high fat diets (HFD) are associated with risk factors for metabolic diseases, such as excessive weight gain and adiposity, insulin resistance and fatty liver. Mice lacking the glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit gene (Gclm(-/-)) and deficient in glutathione (GSH), are resistant to HFD-mediated weight gain. Herein, we evaluated Gclm-associated regulation of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and glucose and lipid homeostasis. C57BL/6J Gclm(-/-) mice and littermate wild-type (WT) controls received a normal diet or an HFD for 11 weeks. HFD-fed Gclm(-/-) mice did not display a decreased respiratory quotient, suggesting that they are unable to process lipidmore » for metabolism. Although dietary energy consumption and intestinal lipid absorption were unchanged in Gclm(-/-) mice, feeding these mice an HFD did not produce excess body weight nor fat storage. Gclm(-/-) mice displayed higher basal metabolic rates resulting from higher activities of liver mitochondrial NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase, thus elevating respiration. Although Gclm(-/-) mice exhibited strong systemic and hepatic oxidative stress responses, HFD did not promote glucose intolerance or insulin resistance. Furthermore, HFD-fed Gclm(-/-) mice did not develop fatty liver, likely resulting from very low expression levels of genes encoding lipid metabolizing enzymes. We conclude that Gclm is involved in the regulation of basal metabolic rate and the metabolism of dietary lipid. Although Gclm(-/-) mice display a strong oxidative stress response, they are protected from HFD-induced excessive weight gain and adipose deposition, insulin resistance and steatosis. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A high fat diet does not produce body weight and fat gain in Gclm(-/-) mice. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A high fat diet does not induce steatosis or insulin resistance in Gclm(-/-) mice. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Gclm(-/-) mice have high basal metabolism and mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Expression of lipid metabolizing genes is extremely low in Gclm(-/-) mice.« less

Qualitative evaluation of the iris and ciliary body by ultrasound biomicroscopy in subjects with angle closure.

PubMed

Ku, Judy Y; Nongpiur, Monisha E; Park, Judy; Narayanaswamy, Arun K; Perera, Shamira A; Tun, Tin A; Kumar, Rajesh S; Baskaran, Mani; Aung, Tin

2014-12-01

To qualitatively analyze anterior chamber structures imaged by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in primary angle-closure patients. Subjects diagnosed as primary angle-closure suspect (PACS), primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and previous acute primary angle closure (APAC) were recruited prospectively along with a group of normal controls. UBM was performed under standardized dark room conditions and qualitative assessment was carried out using a set of reference photographs of standard UBM images to categorize the various anatomic features related to angle configuration. These included overall and basal iris thicknesses, iris convexity, iris angulation, ciliary body size, and ciliary sulcus. A total of 60 PACS, 114 PACG, 41 APAC, and 33 normal controls were included. Patients were predominantly older Chinese females. After controlling the confounding effect of age and sex, eyes with overall thicker irides [medium odds ratio (OR) 3.58, thick OR 2.84] when compared with thin irides have a significantly higher likelihood of having PACS/PACG/APAC versus controls. Thicker basal iris component (medium OR 4.13, thick OR 3.39) also have higher likelihood of having angle closure when compared with thin basal iris thickness. Subjects with basal iris insertion, mild iris angulation, and large ciliary body have a higher OR of having angle closure. In contrast, the presence/absence of a ciliary sulcus did not influence the likelihood of angle closure. Eyes with thicker overall and basal iris thicknesses are more likely to have angle closure than controls. Other features that increase the likelihood of angle closure include basal iris insertion, mild iris angulation, and large ciliary body.

Body composition, metabolism, sleep, psychological and eating patterns of overtraining syndrome: Results of the EROS study (EROS-PROFILE).

PubMed

Cadegiani, Flavio A; Kater, Claudio E

2018-08-01

Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is caused by an imbalance between training, nutrition and resting, and leads to decreased performance and fatigue; however, the precise underlying triggers of OTS remain unclear. This study investigated the body composition, metabolism, eating, sleeping patterns and mood states among participants with OTS. Selected participants were divided into OTS-affected athletes (OTS, n = 14), healthy athletes (ATL, n = 25), and healthy non-physically active controls (NCS, n = 12). Compared to ATL, OTS showed decreased sleep quality (p = 0.004); increased duration of work or study (p < 0.001); decreased libido (p = 0.024); decreased calorie (p < 0.001), carbohydrate (p < 0.001) and protein (p < 0.001) intakes; decreased mood states (p < 0.001); decreased basal metabolic rate (p = 0.013) and fat burning (p < 0.001); increased body fat (p = 0.006); decreased muscle mass (p = 0.008); and decreased hydration (p < 0.001). Levels were similar between OTS and NCS, except for worsened fatigue (p < 0.001) and vigour (p = 0.001) in OTS. Reduced calorie intake, worsened sleep, and increased cognitive activity are likely OTS triggers. OTS appears to induce dehydration, increase body fat, decrease libido, and worsen mood.

The effects of Nordic and general walking on depression disorder patients’ depression, sleep, and body composition

PubMed Central

Park, Seong Doo; Yu, Seong Hun

2015-01-01

[Purpose] This study examined Nordic walking as an exercise intervention for the elderly with depression. [Subjects] Twenty-four patients who were diagnosed with depression were randomly selected and divided into two groups, an experimental group which performed Nordic walking, and a control group, which performed normal walking. [Methods] Both groups practiced their respective walking exercise for 50 minutes per day, three times a week for eight weeks. To compare the effects of the intervention, psychological factors using the Beck depression inventory and sleep quality was assessed using the Korean version Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Skeletal muscle mass, fat free mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, and basal metabolism were estimated three times by a body composition analyzer, before the intervention, four weeks after the intervention, and eight weeks after the intervention. [Results] There was a significant difference in depression with a main effect of time in both groups. There was also a significant difference in sleep in over time and interaction. The differences over time between the two groups were significant for depression, sleep, and skeletal muscle mass. [Conclusion] The results suggests that Nordic walking has a positive effect on depression and sleeping disorders of the elderly, suggesting that Nordic walking based exercise programs should be developed for the elderly who suffer from depression or a sleeping disorder. PMID:26357429

The microbiota and microbiome in aging: potential implications in health and age-related diseases.

PubMed

Zapata, Heidi J; Quagliarello, Vincent J

2015-04-01

Advances in bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing allow for characterization of the human commensal bacterial community (microbiota) and its corresponding genome (microbiome). Surveys of healthy adults reveal that a signature composite of bacteria characterizes each unique body habitat (e.g., gut, skin, oral cavity, vagina). A myriad of clinical changes, including a basal proinflammatory state (inflamm-aging), that directly interface with the microbiota of older adults and enhance susceptibility to disease accompany aging. Studies in older adults demonstrate that the gut microbiota correlates with diet, location of residence (e.g., community dwelling, long-term care settings), and basal level of inflammation. Links exist between the microbiota and a variety of clinical problems plaguing older adults, including physical frailty, Clostridium difficile colitis, vulvovaginal atrophy, colorectal carcinoma, and atherosclerotic disease. Manipulation of the microbiota and microbiome of older adults holds promise as an innovative strategy to influence the development of comorbidities associated with aging. © 2015, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2015, The American Geriatrics Society.

Notochord-derived Shh concentrates in close association with the apically positioned basal body in neural target cells and forms a dynamic gradient during neural patterning.

PubMed

Chamberlain, Chester E; Jeong, Juhee; Guo, Chaoshe; Allen, Benjamin L; McMahon, Andrew P

2008-03-01

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) ligand secreted by the notochord induces distinct ventral cell identities in the adjacent neural tube by a concentration-dependent mechanism. To study this process, we genetically engineered mice that produce bioactive, fluorescently labeled Shh from the endogenous locus. We show that Shh ligand concentrates in close association with the apically positioned basal body of neural target cells, forming a dynamic, punctate gradient in the ventral neural tube. Both ligand lipidation and target field response influence the gradient profile, but not the ability of Shh to concentrate around the basal body. Further, subcellular analysis suggests that Shh from the notochord might traffic into the neural target field by means of an apical-to-basal-oriented microtubule scaffold. This study, in which we directly observe, measure, localize and modify notochord-derived Shh ligand in the context of neural patterning, provides several new insights into mechanisms of Shh morphogen action.

[Effect of two hypocaloric diets and their combination with physical exercise on basal metabolic rate and body composition].

PubMed

Bonfanti, Noelia; Fernández, Juan Marcelo; Gomez-Delgado, Francisco; Pérez-Jiménez, Francisco

2014-03-01

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is diagnosed by the detection of at least three criteria (hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C, hypertension, obesity and altered fasting glucose). Visceral fat excess would be the starting point for its development. Scientific evidence supports hypocaloric diets -mediterranean or low fat diet and rich in complex carbohydrates diet included- as the best treatment to reduce fat mass (FM), maximizing its impact by combining them with physical exercise (PE). However, the effects of these treatments on basal metabolic rate (BMR) of patients with MetS, are unknown. To study the effect of the hypocaloric diet - mediterranean or low fat diet- with or without PE on the BMR and body composition (BC) of adults with MetS. 36 volunteers, MetS, both sexes, > 50 years, meeting the inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to a group of intervention (3 months) of hypocaloric diet: mediterranean diet (MED), low fat and rich in complex carbohydrates diet (CHO) and both combined with PE (MEDE and CHOE respectively). Anthropometric data was taken (weight, muscle mass (MM) and FM) and BMR was determined by indirect calorimetry, before and after intervention. The addition of PE to both hypocaloric treatments produced greater FM loss and weight loss than dieting alone, being this loss in CHOE > MEDE (p < 0.05). These groups decreased the BMR after treatment being MEDE > CHOE (p < 0.05). Mediterranean diet with or without PE lost MM (p < 0.05) being MEDE > MED CONCLUSIONS: CHOE induces less reduction of BMR while supporting a better profile of BC than MEDE. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Oxygen isotope fractionation between bird bone phosphate and drinking water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amiot, Romain; Angst, Delphine; Legendre, Serge; Buffetaut, Eric; Fourel, François; Adolfssen, Jan; André, Aurore; Bojar, Ana Voica; Canoville, Aurore; Barral, Abel; Goedert, Jean; Halas, Stanislaw; Kusuhashi, Nao; Pestchevitskaya, Ekaterina; Rey, Kevin; Royer, Aurélien; Saraiva, Antônio Álamo Feitosa; Savary-Sismondini, Bérengère; Siméon, Jean-Luc; Touzeau, Alexandra; Zhou, Zhonghe; Lécuyer, Christophe

2017-06-01

Oxygen isotope compositions of bone phosphate (δ18Op) were measured in broiler chickens reared in 21 farms worldwide characterized by contrasted latitudes and local climates. These sedentary birds were raised during an approximately 3 to 4-month period, and local precipitation was the ultimate source of their drinking water. This sampling strategy allowed the relationship to be determined between the bone phosphate δ18Op values (from 9.8 to 22.5‰ V-SMOW) and the local rainfall δ18Ow values estimated from nearby IAEA/WMO stations (from -16.0 to -1.0‰ V-SMOW). Linear least square fitting of data provided the following isotopic fractionation equation: δ18Ow = 1.119 (±0.040) δ18Op - 24.222 (±0.644); R 2 = 0.98. The δ18Op-δ18Ow couples of five extant mallard ducks, a common buzzard, a European herring gull, a common ostrich, and a greater rhea fall within the predicted range of the equation, indicating that the relationship established for extant chickens can also be applied to birds of various ecologies and body masses. Applied to published oxygen isotope compositions of Miocene and Pliocene penguins from Peru, this new equation computes estimates of local seawater similar to those previously calculated. Applied to the basal bird Confuciusornis from the Early Cretaceous of Northeastern China, our equation gives a slightly higher δ18Ow value compared to the previously estimated one, possibly as a result of lower body temperature. These data indicate that caution should be exercised when the relationship estimated for modern birds is applied to their basal counterparts that likely had a metabolism intermediate between that of their theropod dinosaur ancestors and that of advanced ornithurines.

Sperm ultrastructure in the diatoms Melosira and Thalassiosira and the significance of the 9 + 0 configuration.

PubMed

Idei, Masahiko; Osada, Keigo; Sato, Shinya; Nakayama, Takeshi; Nagumo, Tamotsu; Mann, David G

2013-08-01

The most complete account to date of the ultrastructure of flagellate cells in diatoms is given for the sperm of Thalassiosira lacustris and Melosira moniliformis var. octogona, based on serial sections. The sperm are uniflagellate, with no trace of a second basal body, and possess a 9 + 0 axoneme. The significance of the 9 + 0 configuration is discussed: lack of the central pair microtubules and radial spokes does not compromise the mastigoneme-bearing flagellum's capacity to perform planar beats and thrust reversal and may perhaps be related to sensory/secretory function of the sperm flagellum during plasmogamy. The basal bodies of diatoms are confirmed to contain doublets rather than triplets, which may correlate with the absence of some centriolar proteins found in most cells producing active flagella. Whereas Melosira possesses a normal cartwheel structure in the long basal body, no such structure is present in Thalassiosira, which instead possesses 'intercalary fibres' linking the basal body doublets. No transitional helices or transitional plates are present in either species studied. Cones of microtubules are associated with the basal body and partially enclose the nucleus in M. moniliformis and T. lacustris. They do not appear to be true microtubular roots and may arise through transformation of the meiosis II spindle. A close association between cone microtubules and tubules containing mastigonemes may indicate a function in intracellular mastigoneme transport. No correlation can yet be detected between methods of spermatogenesis and phylogeny in diatoms, contrary to previous suggestions.

Interactions of the chemotaxis signal protein CheY with bacterial flagellar motors visualized by evanescent wave microscopy.

PubMed

Khan, S; Pierce, D; Vale, R D

The chemotaxis signal protein CheY of enteric bacteria shuttles between transmembrane methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein (MCP) receptor complexes and flagellar basal bodies [1]. The basal body C-rings, composed of the FliM, FliG and FliN proteins, form the rotor of the flagellar motor [2]. Phosphorylated CheY binds to isolated FliM [3] and may also interact with FliG [4], but its binding to basal bodies has not been measured. Using the chemorepellent acetate to phosphorylate and acetylate CheY [5], we have measured the covalent-modification-dependent binding of a green fluorescent protein-CheY fusion (GFP-CheY) to motor assemblies in bacteria lacking MCP complexes by evanescent wave microscopy [6]. At acetate concentrations that cause solely clockwise rotation, GFP-CheY molecules bound to native basal bodies or to overproduced rotor complexes with a stoichiometry comparable to the number of C-ring subunits. GFP-CheY did not bind to rotors lacking FIiM/FliN, showing that these subunits are essential for the association. This assay provides a new means of monitoring protein-protein interactions in signal transduction pathways in living cells.

Near-atomic-resolution cryo-EM analysis of the Salmonella T3S injectisome basal body.

PubMed

Worrall, L J; Hong, C; Vuckovic, M; Deng, W; Bergeron, J R C; Majewski, D D; Huang, R K; Spreter, T; Finlay, B B; Yu, Z; Strynadka, N C J

2016-12-14

The type III secretion (T3S) injectisome is a specialized protein nanomachine that is critical for the pathogenicity of many Gram-negative bacteria, including purveyors of plague, typhoid fever, whooping cough, sexually transmitted infections and major nosocomial infections. This syringe-shaped 3.5-MDa macromolecular assembly spans both bacterial membranes and that of the infected host cell. The internal channel formed by the injectisome allows for the direct delivery of partially unfolded virulence effectors into the host cytoplasm. The structural foundation of the injectisome is the basal body, a molecular lock-nut structure composed predominantly of three proteins that form highly oligomerized concentric rings spanning the inner and outer membranes. Here we present the structure of the prototypical Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium pathogenicity island 1 basal body, determined using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, with the inner-membrane-ring and outer-membrane-ring oligomers defined at 4.3 Å and 3.6 Å resolution, respectively. This work presents the first, to our knowledge, high-resolution structural characterization of the major components of the basal body in the assembled state, including that of the widespread class of outer-membrane portals known as secretins.

Chloral hydrate alters the organization of the ciliary basal apparatus and cell organelles in sea urchin embryos

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chakrabarti, A.; Schatten, H.; Mitchell, K. D.; Crosser, M.; Taylor, M.

1998-01-01

The mitotic inhibitor, chloral hydrate, induces ciliary loss in the early embryo phase of Lytechinus pictus. It causes a breakdown of cilia at the junction of the cilium and the basal body known as the basal plate. This leaves the plasma membrane temporarily unsealed. The basal apparatus accessory structures, consisting of the basal body, basal foot, basal foot cap, striated side arm, and striated rootlet, are either misaligned or disintegrated by treatment with chloral hydrate. Furthermore, microtubules which are associated with the basal apparatus are disassembled. Mitochondria accumulate at the base of cilia - underneath the plasma membrane - and show alterations in their structural organization. The accumulation of mitochondria is observed in 40% of all electron micrograph sections while 60% show the areas mostly devoid of mitochondria. The microvilli surrounding a cilium and striated rootlet remain intact in the presence of chloral hydrate. These results suggest that deciliation in early sea urchin embryos by chloral hydrate is caused by combined effects on the ciliary membrane and on microtubules in the cilia. Furthermore, it is suggested that chloral hydrate can serve as a tool to explore the cytoskeletal mechanisms that are involved in cilia motility in the developing sea urchin embryo.

Structural differences in the bacterial flagellar motor among bacterial species.

PubMed

Terashima, Hiroyuki; Kawamoto, Akihiro; Morimoto, Yusuke V; Imada, Katsumi; Minamino, Tohru

2017-01-01

The bacterial flagellum is a supramolecular motility machine consisting of the basal body as a rotary motor, the hook as a universal joint, and the filament as a helical propeller. Intact structures of the bacterial flagella have been observed for different bacterial species by electron cryotomography and subtomogram averaging. The core structures of the basal body consisting of the C ring, the MS ring, the rod and the protein export apparatus, and their organization are well conserved, but novel and divergent structures have also been visualized to surround the conserved structure of the basal body. This suggests that the flagellar motors have adapted to function in various environments where bacteria live and survive. In this review, we will summarize our current findings on the divergent structures of the bacterial flagellar motor.

Ultrastructural observation on ‘transitional tubules’ in human oviductal ciliogenic cells

PubMed Central

HAGIWARA, HARUO; AOKI, TAKEO; FUJIMOTO, TOYOSHI

1997-01-01

In the human oviduct epithelium during ciliogenesis, short tubular structures were found in the transitional zone between the basal body and cilium. The tubules, termed transitional tubules from their location, were 34–36 nm in diameter and 0.13±0.06 μm in length; the number around a basal body was variable, but usually 4–6. The cytoplasmic leaflets of the tubule membranes were coated by electron-dense material and appeared to be connected to alar sheets. The transitional tubules existed transiently during ciliogenesis. The exact role of transitional tubules is unknown, but considering their location, they may fix the basal body in the apical cytoplasm during ciliary elongation and/or may be related to formation of alar sheets. PMID:9306204

Development of the ovarian follicular epithelium.

PubMed

Rodgers, R J; Lavranos, T C; van Wezel, I L; Irving-Rodgers, H F

1999-05-25

A lot is known about the endocrine control of the development of ovarian follicles, but a key question now facing researchers is which molecular and cellular processes take part in control of follicular growth and development. The growth and development of ovarian follicles occurs postnatally and throughout adult life. In this review, we focus on the follicular epithelium (membrana granulosa) and its basal lamina. We discuss a model of how granulosa cells arise from a population of stem cells and then enter different lineages before differentiation. The structure of the epithelium at the antral stage of development is presented, and the effects that follicle growth has on the behavior of the granulosa cells are discussed. Finally, we discuss the evidence that during follicle development the follicular basal lamina changes in composition. This would be expected if the behavior of the granulosa cells changes, or if the permeability of the basal lamina changes. It will be evident that the follicular epithelium has similarities to other epithelia in the body, but that it is more dynamic, as gross changes occur during the course of follicle development. This basic information will be important for the development of future reproductive technologies in both humans and animals, and possibly for understanding polycystic ovarian syndrome in women.

Effect of supplementation with linseed or a blend of aromatic spices and time on feed on fatty acid composition, meat quality and consumer liking of meat from lambs fed dehydrated alfalfa or corn.

PubMed

Realini, C E; Bianchi, G; Bentancur, O; Garibotto, G

2017-05-01

Cross-bred lambs (n=72) were fed finishing diets using a factorial arrangement of treatments: BASAL DIET (alfalfa pellets or corn), SUPPLEMENT (none, linseed or aromatic spices), TIME ON FEED (41 or 83days). Carcass and meat quality traits, fatty acid composition, color stability and consumer liking were determined. Feeding alfalfa improved sensory ratings and fatty acid composition of lamb. However, corn or longer alfalfa feeding would be recommended if heavier and fatter carcasses are sought. Consumer liking and fatty acid composition of lamb were improved with addition of spices and linseed, respectively. But additional antioxidant strategies should be considered to delay meat color deterioration during storage if lambs are fed corn-linseed for 83days. Although alfalfa basal diet and linseed supplementation improved fatty acid composition, feeding the basal diets for at least 41days resulted in low n-3 fatty acid concentrations in muscle. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[New hypothesis on the replication of centrioles and basal bodies].

PubMed

Mignot, J P

1996-12-01

Certain morphological data, obtained in studies of the ultrastructure of centrioles and basal bodies in cells of metazoa and protists, lead us to think that the cartwheel represents of the most appropriate organization for a self-reproducing and transmissible centriolar organizer. Centrioles and basal bodies might then not be simply the centres of replication of those organizers, but also reservoirs containing several superposed centriolar organizers, which are released depending on the requirements of the cell. As an isolated cartwheel is extremely unlikely to be detected, either in conventional electron microscopy or in immunocytochemistry, it is thus the reservoir which has so far been under consideration. Such a hypothesis would permit the explanation that biogenesis de novo and biogenesis in proximity to preexisting organelles may differ only in terms of the number of morphogenetic units involved.

The Centrioles, Centrosomes, Basal Bodies, and Cilia of Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Lattao, Ramona; Kovács, Levente; Glover, David M.

2017-01-01

Centrioles play a key role in the development of the fly. They are needed for the correct formation of centrosomes, the organelles at the poles of the spindle that can persist as microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) into interphase. The ability to nucleate cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) is a property of the surrounding pericentriolar material (PCM). The centriole has a dual life, existing not only as the core of the centrosome but also as the basal body, the structure that templates the formation of cilia and flagellae. Thus the structure and functions of the centriole, the centrosome, and the basal body have an impact upon many aspects of development and physiology that can readily be modeled in Drosophila. Centrosomes are essential to give organization to the rapidly increasing numbers of nuclei in the syncytial embryo and for the spatially precise execution of cell division in numerous tissues, particularly during male meiosis. Although mitotic cell cycles can take place in the absence of centrosomes, this is an error-prone process that opens up the fly to developmental defects and the potential of tumor formation. Here, we review the structure and functions of the centriole, the centrosome, and the basal body in different tissues and cultured cells of Drosophila melanogaster, highlighting their contributions to different aspects of development and cell division. PMID:28476861

Choosing sides--asymmetric centriole and basal body assembly.

PubMed

Pearson, Chad G

2014-07-01

Centrioles and basal bodies (CBBs) are microtubule-rich cylindrical structures that nucleate and organize centrosomes and cilia, respectively. Despite their apparent ninefold rotational symmetry, the nine sets of triplet microtubules in CBBs possess asymmetries in their morphology and in the structures that associate with them. These asymmetries define the position of nascent CBB assembly, the orientation of ciliary beating, the orientation of spindle poles and the maintenance of cellular geometry. For some of these functions, the orientation of CBBs is first established during new CBB biogenesis when the daughter structure is positioned adjacent to the mother. The mother CBB organizes the surrounding environment that nascent CBBs are born into, thereby providing a nest for the new CBB to develop. Protists, including ciliates and algae, highlight the importance of this environment with the formation of asymmetrically placed scaffolds onto which new basal bodies assemble and are positioned. Recent studies illuminate the positioning of nascent centrioles relative to a modular pericentriolar material (PCM) environment and suggest that, like ciliates, centrosomes organize an immediate environment surrounding centrioles for their biogenesis and positioning. In this Commentary, I will explore the positioning of nascent CBB assembly as the first event in building cellular asymmetries and describe how the environment surrounding both basal bodies and centrioles may define asymmetric assembly. © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Choosing sides – asymmetric centriole and basal body assembly

PubMed Central

Pearson, Chad G.

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Centrioles and basal bodies (CBBs) are microtubule-rich cylindrical structures that nucleate and organize centrosomes and cilia, respectively. Despite their apparent ninefold rotational symmetry, the nine sets of triplet microtubules in CBBs possess asymmetries in their morphology and in the structures that associate with them. These asymmetries define the position of nascent CBB assembly, the orientation of ciliary beating, the orientation of spindle poles and the maintenance of cellular geometry. For some of these functions, the orientation of CBBs is first established during new CBB biogenesis when the daughter structure is positioned adjacent to the mother. The mother CBB organizes the surrounding environment that nascent CBBs are born into, thereby providing a nest for the new CBB to develop. Protists, including ciliates and algae, highlight the importance of this environment with the formation of asymmetrically placed scaffolds onto which new basal bodies assemble and are positioned. Recent studies illuminate the positioning of nascent centrioles relative to a modular pericentriolar material (PCM) environment and suggest that, like ciliates, centrosomes organize an immediate environment surrounding centrioles for their biogenesis and positioning. In this Commentary, I will explore the positioning of nascent CBB assembly as the first event in building cellular asymmetries and describe how the environment surrounding both basal bodies and centrioles may define asymmetric assembly. PMID:24895399

Comparison of liraglutide plus basal insulin and basal-bolus insulin therapy (BBIT) for glycemic control, body weight stability, and treatment satisfaction in patients treated using BBIT for type 2 diabetes without severe insulin deficiency: A randomized prospective pilot study.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Saki; Hayashi, Toshiyuki; Ohara, Makoto; Goto, Satoshi; Sato, Jun; Nagaike, Hiroe; Fukase, Ayako; Sato, Nobuko; Hiromura, Munenori; Tomoyasu, Masako; Nakanishi, Noriko; Lee, Soushou; Osamura, Anna; Yamamoto, Takeshi; Fukui, Tomoyasu; Hirano, Tsutomu

2018-03-26

We examined whether 0.9 mg/day liraglutide plus basal insulin (Lira-basal) is superior to basal-bolus insulin therapy (BBIT) for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without severe insulin deficiency as determined by glucagon stimulation. Fifty patients receiving BBIT were enrolled in this 24-week, prospective, randomized, open-labeled study. After excluding subjects with fasting C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) < 1.0 ng/mL and CPR increase < 1.0 ng/mL at 6 min post glucagon injection, 25 were randomly allocated to receive Lira-basal (n = 12) or continued BBIT (n = 13). Primary endpoint was change in HbA1c. Secondary endpoints were changes in body weight (BW), 7-point self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status (DTSQs) scores. The Lira-basal group demonstrated reduced HbA1c, whereas the BBIT group showed no change. BW was reduced in the Lira-basal group but increased in the BBIT group. The Lira-basal group also exhibited significantly reduced pre-breakfast and pre-lunch SMBG. DTSQs scores improved in the Lira-basal group but not the BBIT group. Plasma lipids, liver function, and kidney function were not significantly changed in either group. Lira-basal therapy is superior to BBIT for T2DM without severe insulin deficiency. This study was registered with UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000028313). Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of Forest Survey Data with Forest Dynamics Simulators FORCLIM and ZELIG along Climatic Gradients in the Pacific Northwest

USGS Publications Warehouse

Busing, Richard T.; Solomon, Allen M.

2004-01-01

Two forest dynamics simulators are compared along climatic gradients in the Pacific Northwest. The ZELIG and FORCLIM models are tested against forest survey data from western Oregon. Their ability to generate accurate patterns of forest basal area and species composition is evaluated for series of sites with contrasting climate. Projections from both models approximate the basal area and composition patterns for three sites along the elevation gradient at H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in the western Cascade Range. The ZELIG model is somewhat more accurate than FORCLIM at the two low-elevation sites. Attempts to project forest composition along broader climatic gradients reveal limitations of ZELIG, however. For example, ZELIG is less accurate than FORCLIM at projecting the average composition of a west Cascades ecoregion selected for intensive analysis. Also, along a gradient consisting of several sites on an east to west transect at 44.1oN latitude, both the FORCLIM model and the actual data show strong changes in composition and total basal area, but the ZELIG model shows a limited response. ZELIG does not simulate the declines in forest basal area and the diminished dominance of mesic coniferous species east of the Cascade crest. We conclude that ZELIG is suitable for analyses of certain sites for which it has been calibrated. FORCLIM can be applied in analyses involving a range of climatic conditions without requiring calibration for specific sites.

Centrosomal protein Dzip1l binds Cby, promotes ciliary bud formation, and acts redundantly with Bromi to regulate ciliogenesis in the mouse.

PubMed

Wang, Chengbing; Li, Jia; Takemaru, Ken-Ichi; Jiang, Xiaogang; Xu, Guoqiang; Wang, Baolin

2018-03-15

The primary cilium is a microtubule-based organelle required for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling and consists of a basal body, a ciliary axoneme and a compartment between the first two structures, called the transition zone (TZ). The TZ serves as a gatekeeper to control protein composition in cilia, but less is known about its role in ciliary bud formation. Here, we show that centrosomal protein Dzip1l is required for Hh signaling between Smoothened and Sufu. Dzip1l colocalizes with basal body appendage proteins and Rpgrip1l, a TZ protein. Loss of Dzip1l results in reduced ciliogenesis and dysmorphic cilia in vivo Dzip1l interacts with, and acts upstream of, Cby, an appendage protein, in ciliogenesis. Dzip1l also has overlapping functions with Bromi (Tbc1d32) in ciliogenesis, cilia morphogenesis and neural tube patterning. Loss of Dzip1l arrests ciliogenesis at the stage of ciliary bud formation from the TZ. Consistent with this, Dzip1l mutant cells fail to remove the capping protein Cp110 (Ccp110) from the distal end of mother centrioles and to recruit Rpgrip1l to the TZ. Therefore, Dzip1l promotes ciliary bud formation and is required for the integrity of the TZ. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Dietary supplementation of Zingiber officinale and Zingiber zerumbet to heat-stressed broiler chickens and its effect on heat shock protein 70 expression, blood parameters and body temperature.

PubMed

Hasheimi, S R; Zulkifli, I; Somchit, M N; Zunita, Z; Loh, T C; Soleimani, A F; Tang, S C

2013-08-01

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of Zingiber officinale and Zingiber zerumbet and to heat-stressed broiler chickens on heat shock protein (HSP) 70 density, plasma corticosterone concentration (CORT), heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (HLR) and body temperature. Beginning from day 28, chicks were divided into five dietary groups: (i) basal diet (control), (ii) basal diet +1%Z. zerumbet powder (ZZ1%), (iii) basal diet +2%Z. zerumbet powder (ZZ2%), (iv) basal diet +1%Z. officinale powder (ZO1%) and (v) basal diet +2%Z. officinale powder (ZO2%). From day 35-42, heat stress was induced by exposing birds to 38±1°C and 80% RH for 2 h/day. Irrespective of diet, heat challenge elevated HSP70 expression, CORT and HLR on day 42. On day 42, following heat challenge, the ZZ1% birds showed lower body temperatures than those of control, ZO1% and ZO2%. Neither CORT nor HLR was significantly affected by diet. The ZO2% and ZZ2% diets enhanced HSP70 expression when compared to the control groups. We concluded that dietary supplementation of Z. officinale and Z. zerumbet powder may induce HSP70 reaction in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Normal Weight Obese syndrome: role of single nucleotide polymorphism of IL-1 5Ralpha and MTHFR 677C-->T genes in the relationship between body composition and resting metabolic rate.

PubMed

Di Renzo, L; Bigioni, M; Bottini, F G; Del Gobbo, V; Premrov, M G; Cianci, R; De Lorenzo, A

2006-01-01

We have identified a subset of metabolically obese, but normal weight individuals, with potentially increased risks of developing the metabolic syndrome, despite their normal body mass index. We determined the relationship among body fat distribution, resting metabolic rate (RMR), total body water amount (%TBW), selected gene polymorphism on interleukin-15 receptor-alpha (IL-15Ralpha) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C-->T (MTHFR 677C-->T), to distinguish normal weight obese (NWO) from nonobese with a normal metabolic profile and obese individuals. We analysed anthropometric variables, body composition by Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), RMR by indirect calorimetry, %TBW by bioimpedence analysis (BIA), MTHFR 677C-->T and IL-15Ralpha genotypes of 128 clinically healthy Caucasian individuals. We compared a group of female, defined as NWO and characterised by a BMI < or = 25 kg/m(2) and FM > or = 30% with groups of others female, and males, represented by nonobese with a BMI < or = 25 kg/m(2) and FM < or = 30%, and preobese-obese individuals with BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2) and %FM > or = 30%; none of the males was classified as NWO. Significant correlations were found among body fat mass distribution, metabolic variables, percentage of total body water distribution and selected genetic variations. The variables that contributed significantly to the separation of classes were body tissue (Tissue), %TBW, RMR, the volumes of both oxygen (VO2) and carbon dioxide (VCO2). The distribution of MTHFR 677C-->T and IL-15 genotypes was significantly different between classes. Our data highlight that NWO individuals showed a significant relationship between the decrease in the basal metabolism (RMR), body fat mass increasing and total water amount. Possession of wild type homozygotes genotypes regarding IL-15Ralpha cytokine and 677C-->T MTHFR enzyme characterised NWO individuals.

Effect of hypothyroidism on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in dogs.

PubMed

Hofer-Inteeworn, Natalie; Panciera, David L; Monroe, William E; Saker, Korinn E; Davies, Rebecca Hegstad; Refsal, Kent R; Kemnitz, Joseph W

2012-04-01

To determine the effects of hypothyroidism on insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and concentrations of hormones counter-regulatory to insulin in dogs. 8 anestrous mixed-breed bitches with experimentally induced hypothyroidism and 8 euthyroid control dogs. The insulin-modified frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test and minimal model analysis were used to determine basal plasma insulin and glucose concentrations, acute insulin response to glucose, insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness, and disposition index. Growth hormone response was assessed by stimulation and suppression tests. Additionally, basal serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations and urine cortisol-to-creatinine concentration ratios were measured and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed to evaluate body composition. Insulin sensitivity was lower in the hypothyroid group than in the euthyroid group, whereas acute insulin response to glucose was higher. Glucose effectiveness and disposition index were not different between groups. Basal serum GH and IGF-1 concentrations as well as abdominal fat content were high in hypothyroid dogs, but urine cortisol-to-creatinine concentration ratios were unchanged. Hypothyroidism appeared to negatively affect glucose homeostasis by inducing insulin resistance, but overall glucose tolerance was maintained by increased insulin secretion in hypothyroid dogs. Possible factors affecting insulin sensitivity are high serum GH and IGF-1 concentrations and an increase in abdominal fat. In dogs with diseases involving impaired insulin secretion such as diabetes mellitus, concurrent hypothyroidism can have important clinical implications.

Structural and compositional controls on transpiration in 40- and 450-year-old riparian forests in western Oregon, USA.

PubMed

Moore, Georgianne W; Bond, Barbara J; Jones, Julia A; Phillips, Nathan; Meinzer, Federick C

2004-05-01

Large areas of forests in the Pacific Northwest are being transformed to younger forests, yet little is known about the impact this may have on hydrological cycles. Previous work suggests that old trees use less water per unit leaf area or sapwood area than young mature trees of the same species in similar environments. Do old forests, therefore, use less water than young mature forests in similar environments, or are there other structural or compositional components in the forests that compensate for tree-level differences? We investigated the impacts of tree age, species composition and sapwood basal area on stand-level transpiration in adjacent watersheds at the H.J. Andrews Forest in the western Cascades of Oregon, one containing a young, mature (about 40 years since disturbance) conifer forest and the other an old growth (about 450 years since disturbance) forest. Sap flow measurements were used to evaluate the degree to which differences in age and species composition affect water use. Stand sapwood basal area was evaluated based on a vegetation survey for species, basal area and sapwood basal area in the riparian area of two watersheds. A simple scaling exercise derived from estimated differences in water use as a result of differences in age, species composition and stand sapwood area was used to estimate transpiration from late June through October within the entire riparian area of these watersheds. Transpiration was higher in the young stand because of greater sap flux density (sap flow per unit sapwood area) by age class and species, and greater total stand sapwood area. During the measurement period, mean daily sap flux density was 2.30 times higher in young compared with old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees. Sap flux density was 1.41 times higher in young red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) compared with young P. menziesii trees, and was 1.45 times higher in old P. menziesii compared with old western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) trees. Overall, sapwood basal area was 21% higher in the young stand than in the old stand. In the old forest, T. heterophylla is an important co-dominant, accounting for 58% of total sapwood basal area, whereas P. menziesii is the only dominant conifer in the young stand. Angiosperms accounted for 36% of total sapwood basal area in the young stand, but only 7% in the old stand. For all factors combined, we estimated 3.27 times more water use by vegetation in the riparian area of the young stand over the measurement period. Tree age had the greatest effect on stand differences in water use, followed by differences in sapwood basal area, and finally species composition. The large differences in transpiration provide further evidence that forest management alters site water balance via elevated transpiration in vigorous young stands.

The Centrioles, Centrosomes, Basal Bodies, and Cilia of Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Lattao, Ramona; Kovács, Levente; Glover, David M

2017-05-01

Centrioles play a key role in the development of the fly. They are needed for the correct formation of centrosomes, the organelles at the poles of the spindle that can persist as microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) into interphase. The ability to nucleate cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) is a property of the surrounding pericentriolar material (PCM). The centriole has a dual life, existing not only as the core of the centrosome but also as the basal body, the structure that templates the formation of cilia and flagellae. Thus the structure and functions of the centriole, the centrosome, and the basal body have an impact upon many aspects of development and physiology that can readily be modeled in Drosophila Centrosomes are essential to give organization to the rapidly increasing numbers of nuclei in the syncytial embryo and for the spatially precise execution of cell division in numerous tissues, particularly during male meiosis. Although mitotic cell cycles can take place in the absence of centrosomes, this is an error-prone process that opens up the fly to developmental defects and the potential of tumor formation. Here, we review the structure and functions of the centriole, the centrosome, and the basal body in different tissues and cultured cells of Drosophila melanogaster , highlighting their contributions to different aspects of development and cell division. Copyright © 2017 Lattao et al.

Ultrastructure of the enteromonad flagellate Caviomonas mobilis.

PubMed

Brugerolle, G; Regnault, J P

2001-08-01

Caviomonas mobilis was collected from the caecum of mice harbouring a controlled fauna. Phase contrast and immunofluorescence microscopy using an anti-tubulin antibody and electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of one basal body bearing a flagellum and a second barren basal body, both inserted in the face of two cup-like depressions in the nuclear surface, as in other enteromonad/diplomonad genera. Three microtubular fibres arise close to the main basal body: the first, composed of three microtubules cross-linked with a dense structure, lies within a groove above the nuclear surface; the second is oriented antero-dorsally and corresponds to the peristyle as observed by light microscopy; and the third is situated ventrally, below the proximal part of the recurrent flagellum, and corresponds to the funis. There is no mitochondrion, no Golgi body, the endoplasmic reticulum is reduced, there is no cytostome, the cell feeds by pinocytosis and phagocytosis and the division spindle is intranuclear. The cytological characters of Caviomonas are homologous to those of genera which comprise the enteromonad/diplomonad evolutionary lineage, as previously presumed.

Prolonged Adaptation to a Low or High Protein Diet Does Not Modulate Basal Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates - A Substudy.

PubMed

Hursel, Rick; Martens, Eveline A P; Gonnissen, Hanne K J; Hamer, Henrike M; Senden, Joan M G; van Loon, Luc J C; Westerterp-Plantenga, Margriet S

2015-01-01

Based on controlled 36 h experiments a higher dietary protein intake causes a positive protein balance and a negative fat balance. A positive net protein balance may support fat free mass accrual. However, few data are available on the impact of more prolonged changes in habitual protein intake on whole-body protein metabolism and basal muscle protein synthesis rates. To assess changes in whole-body protein turnover and basal muscle protein synthesis rates following 12 weeks of adaptation to a low versus high dietary protein intake. A randomized parallel study was performed in 40 subjects who followed either a high protein (2.4 g protein/kg/d) or low protein (0.4 g protein/kg/d) energy-balanced diet (30/35/35% or 5/60/35% energy from protein/carbohydrate/fat) for a period of 12 weeks. A subgroup of 7 men and 8 women (body mass index: 22.8±2.3 kg/m2, age: 24.3±4.9 y) were selected to evaluate the impact of prolonged adaptation to either a high or low protein intake on whole body protein metabolism and basal muscle protein synthesis rates. After the diet, subjects received continuous infusions with L-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine and L-[ring-2H2]tyrosine in an overnight fasted state, with blood samples and muscle biopsies being collected to assess post-absorptive whole-body protein turnover and muscle protein synthesis rates in vivo in humans. After 12 weeks of intervention, whole-body protein balance in the fasted state was more negative in the high protein treatment when compared with the low protein treatment (-4.1±0.5 vs -2.7±0.6 μmol phenylalanine/kg/h;P<0.001). Whole-body protein breakdown (43.0±4.4 vs 37.8±3.8 μmol phenylalanine/kg/h;P<0.03), synthesis (38.9±4.2 vs 35.1±3.6 μmol phenylalanine/kg/h;P<0.01) and phenylalanine hydroxylation rates (4.1±0.6 vs 2.7±0.6 μmol phenylalanine/kg/h;P<0.001) were significantly higher in the high vs low protein group. Basal muscle protein synthesis rates were maintained on a low vs high protein diet (0.042±0.01 vs 0.045±0.01%/h;P = 0.620). In the overnight fasted state, adaptation to a low-protein intake (0.4 g/kg/d) does not result in a more negative whole-body protein balance and does not lower basal muscle protein synthesis rates when compared to a high-protein intake. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01551238.

Prolonged Adaptation to a Low or High Protein Diet Does Not Modulate Basal Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates – A Substudy

PubMed Central

Hursel, Rick; Martens, Eveline A. P.; Gonnissen, Hanne K. J.; Hamer, Henrike M.; Senden, Joan M. G.; van Loon, Luc J. C.; Westerterp-Plantenga, Margriet S.

2015-01-01

Background Based on controlled 36 h experiments a higher dietary protein intake causes a positive protein balance and a negative fat balance. A positive net protein balance may support fat free mass accrual. However, few data are available on the impact of more prolonged changes in habitual protein intake on whole-body protein metabolism and basal muscle protein synthesis rates. Objective To assess changes in whole-body protein turnover and basal muscle protein synthesis rates following 12 weeks of adaptation to a low versus high dietary protein intake. Methods A randomized parallel study was performed in 40 subjects who followed either a high protein (2.4 g protein/kg/d) or low protein (0.4 g protein/kg/d) energy-balanced diet (30/35/35% or 5/60/35% energy from protein/carbohydrate/fat) for a period of 12 weeks. A subgroup of 7 men and 8 women (body mass index: 22.8±2.3 kg/m2, age: 24.3±4.9 y) were selected to evaluate the impact of prolonged adaptation to either a high or low protein intake on whole body protein metabolism and basal muscle protein synthesis rates. After the diet, subjects received continuous infusions with L-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine and L-[ring-2H2]tyrosine in an overnight fasted state, with blood samples and muscle biopsies being collected to assess post-absorptive whole-body protein turnover and muscle protein synthesis rates in vivo in humans. Results After 12 weeks of intervention, whole-body protein balance in the fasted state was more negative in the high protein treatment when compared with the low protein treatment (-4.1±0.5 vs -2.7±0.6 μmol phenylalanine/kg/h;P<0.001). Whole-body protein breakdown (43.0±4.4 vs 37.8±3.8 μmol phenylalanine/kg/h;P<0.03), synthesis (38.9±4.2 vs 35.1±3.6 μmol phenylalanine/kg/h;P<0.01) and phenylalanine hydroxylation rates (4.1±0.6 vs 2.7±0.6 μmol phenylalanine/kg/h;P<0.001) were significantly higher in the high vs low protein group. Basal muscle protein synthesis rates were maintained on a low vs high protein diet (0.042±0.01 vs 0.045±0.01%/h;P = 0.620). Conclusions In the overnight fasted state, adaptation to a low-protein intake (0.4 g/kg/d) does not result in a more negative whole-body protein balance and does not lower basal muscle protein synthesis rates when compared to a high-protein intake. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01551238. PMID:26367529

Double life of centrioles: CP110 in the spotlight.

PubMed

Bettencourt-Dias, Mónica; Carvalho-Santos, Zita

2008-01-01

Centrioles lead an important double life: they can give rise to the centrosome or convert to basal bodies and template cilia. Little is known about the control of centriole fate. Spektor and colleagues have now identified a centriolar complex, composed of CP110 and CEP97, which inhibits centriole to basal body conversion, preventing cilia formation. This work paves the way to understanding centriole and cilia biogenesis, which are two processes misregulated in human diseases, such as cancer and polycystic kidney disease.

Dishevelled links basal body docking and orientation in ciliated epithelial cells

PubMed Central

Vladar, Eszter K.; Axelrod, Jeffrey D.

2014-01-01

Some epithelia contain cells with multiple, motile cilia that beat in a concerted fashion. New tools and experimental systems have facilitated molecular studies of cilium biogenesis and of the coordinated planar polarization of cilia that leads to their concerted motility. Recent, elegant work by Park and colleagues, using embryonic frog epidermis, demonstrates that Dishevelled (Dvl), a key regulator of both the Wnt/β-catenin and Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathways, controls both the docking and planar polarization of ciliary basal bodies. PMID:18819800

A metered intake of milk following exercise and thermal dehydration restores whole-body net fluid balance better than a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution or water in healthy young men.

PubMed

Seery, Suzanne; Jakeman, Philip

2016-09-01

Appropriate rehydration and nutrient intake in recovery is a key component of exercise performance. This study investigated whether the recovery of body net fluid balance (NFB) following exercise and thermal dehydration to -2 % of body mass (BM) was enhanced by a metered rate of ingestion of milk (M) compared with a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CE) or water (W). In randomised order, seven active men (aged 26·2 (sd 6·1) years) undertook exercise and thermal dehydration to -2 % of BM on three occasions. A metered replacement volume of M, CE or W equivalent to 150 % of the BM loss was then consumed within 2-3 h. NFB was subsequently measured for 5 h from commencement of rehydration. A higher overall NFB in M than CE (P=0·001) and W (P=0·006) was observed, with no difference between CE and W (P=0·69). After 5 h, NFB in M remained positive (+117 (sd 122) ml) compared with basal, and it was greater than W (-539 (sd 390) ml, P=0·011) but not CE (-381 (sd 460) ml, P=0·077, d=1·6). Plasma osmolality (Posm) and K remained elevated above basal in M compared with CE and W. The change in Posm was associated with circulating pre-provasopressin (r s 0·348, P<0·001), a biomarker of arginine vasopressin, but could not account fully for the augmented NFB in M compared with CE and W. These data suggest that a metered approach to fluid ingestion acts in synergy with the nutrient composition of M in the restoration of NFB following exercise and thermal dehydration.

Plasma chemerin in young untrained men: association with cardio-metabolic traits and physical performance, and response to intensive interval training.

PubMed

Ouerghi, Nejmeddine; Fradj, Mohamed Kacem Ben; Khammassi, Marwa; Feki, Moncef; Kaabachi, Naziha; Bouassida, Anissa

2017-02-01

Chemerin is an adipose tissue-derived adipokine thought to decrease insulin sensitivity and increase cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed to assess the association of chemerin with cardiometabolic risk and physical performance and examine its response to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Eighteen young men have been applied a HIIT program during 8 weeks. Plasma chemerin together with several cardiometabolic factors and physical performance indices were determined before and after the training program. Plasma chemerin and insulin were assessed using immunoenzymatic methods. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) index was calculated as an estimate of insulin resistance. Basal plasma chemerin was positively correlated with body mass index (r=0.782, p<0.001), body fat (r=0.767, p<0.001), total (r=0.686, p=0.002) and LDL (r=0.587, p=0.010) cholesterol, triglycerides (r=0.775, p<0.001), HOMA-IR (r=0.673, p=0.002) and C-reactive protein (r=0.765, p<0.001). With regards to physical performance, chemerin was negatively correlated with maximal oxygen uptake (r=-0.572, p=0.013) and squat jump (r=-0.627, p=0.005), but positively related to 10-m sprint (r=0.716, p=0.001) and 30-m sprint (r=0.667, p=0.002) times. HIIT program resulted in significant improvements in body composition, plasma lipids and insulin sensitivity. However, no significant change was detected for plasma chemerin in response to HIIT (134±50.7 ng/mL vs. 137±51.9 ng/mL, p=0.750). Basal plasma chemerin is associated with cardiometabolic health and physical performance in young men. Following HIIT, cardiometabolic health and physical performance had improved, but no significant change had occurred for plasma chemerin.

Assessing the effect, on animal model, of mixture of food additives, on the water balance.

PubMed

Friedrich, Mariola; Kuchlewska, Magdalena

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine, on the animal model, the effect of modification of diet composition and administration of selected food additives on water balance in the body. The study was conducted with 48 males and 48 females (separately for each sex) of Wistar strain rats divided into four groups. For drinking, the animals from groups I and III were receiving water, whereas the animals from groups II and IV were administered 5 ml of a solution of selected food additives (potassium nitrate - E 252, sodium nitrite - E 250, benzoic acid - E 210, sorbic acid - E 200, and monosodium glutamate - E 621). Doses of the administered food additives were computed taking into account the average intake by men, expressed per body mass unit. Having drunk the solution, the animals were provided water for drinking. The mixture of selected food additives applied in the experiment was found to facilitate water retention in the body both in the case of both male and female rats, and differences observed between the volume of ingested fluids and the volume of excreted urine were statistically significant in the animals fed the basal diet. The type of feed mixture provided to the animals affected the site of water retention - in the case of animals receiving the basal diet analyses demonstrated a significant increase in water content in the liver tissue, whereas in the animals fed the modified diet water was observed to accumulate in the vascular bed. Taking into account the fact of water retention in the vascular bed, the effects of food additives intake may be more adverse in the case of females.

Testing ecological and universal models of body shape and child health using a global sample of infants and young children.

PubMed

Hadley, Craig; Hruschka, Daniel J

2017-11-01

To test whether a risk of child illness is best predicted by deviations from a population-specific growth distribution or a universal growth distribution. Child weight for height and child illness data from 433 776 children (1-59 months) from 47 different low and lower income countries are used in regression models to estimate for each country the child basal weight for height. This study assesses the extent to which individuals within populations deviate from their basal slenderness. It uses correlation and regression techniques to estimate the relationship between child illness (diarrhoea, fever or cough) and basal weight for height, and residual weight for height. In bivariate tests, basal weight for height z-score did not predict the country level prevalence of child illness (r 2  = -0.01, n = 47, p = 0.53), but excess weight for height did (r 2  = 0.14, p < 0.01). At the individual level, household wealth is negatively associated with the odds that a child is reported as ill (beta = -0.04, p < 0.001, n = 433 776) and basal weight for height was not (beta = 0.20, p = 0.27). Deviations from country-specific basal weight for height were negatively associated with the likelihood of illness (beta = -0.13, p < 0.01), indicating a 13% reduction in illness risk for every 0.1 standard deviation increase in residual weight-for-height Conclusion: These results are consistent with the idea that populations may differ in their body slenderness, and that deviations from this body form may predict the risk of childhood illness.

Leptin secretory dynamics and associated disordered eating psychopathology across the weight spectrum

PubMed Central

Baskaran, Charumathi; Eddy, Kamryn T.; Miller, Karen K.; Meenaghan, Erinne; Misra, Madhusmita; Lawson, Elizabeth A.

2016-01-01

Leptin secretory dynamics across the weight spectrum and their relationship with disordered eating psychopathology have not been studied. Our objective was to compare leptin secretory dynamics in 13 anorexia nervosa (AN), 12 overweight/obese (OB) and 12 normal-weight women using deconvolution analysis. Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary referral center, serum leptin levels were obtained every 20 minutes from 2000-0800h. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure %body fat. Disordered eating psychopathology was assessed by the Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2). Results The groups differed for basal leptin secretion (BASAL) (p=0.02). Mean leptin pulse amplitude, pulse mass, total pulsatile secretion (TPS) and area under the curve (AUC) were significantly different between groups before and after adjustment for BASAL (p<0.0001 for all). Leptin AUC correlated strongly with TPS (r=0.97, p<0.0001) and less with BASAL (r=0.35, p=0.03). On multivariate analysis, only TPS was a significant predictor of leptin AUC (p<0.0001). TPS was inversely associated with most EDE-Q and EDI-2 parameters and the associations remained significant for EDE-Q eating concern (p=0.01), and EDI-2 asceticism, ineffectiveness and social insecurity (p<0.05) after adjusting for BASAL. These relationships were not significant when controlled for %body fat. Conclusion Secretory dynamics of leptin differ across weight spectrum, with mean pulse amplitude, mean pulse mass and TPS being low in AN and high in OB. Pulsatile, rather than basal secretion, is the major contributor to leptin AUC. Decreased pulsatile leptin is associated with disordered eating psychopathology, possibly reflecting low %body fat in AN. PMID:26903591

The expression patterns of aquaporin 9, vacuolar H+-ATPase, and cytokeratin 5 in the epididymis of the common vampire bat.

PubMed

Castro, Mariana M; Kim, Bongki; Hill, Eric; Fialho, Maria C Q; Puga, Luciano C H P; Freitas, Mariella B; Breton, Sylvie; Machado-Neves, Mariana

2017-01-01

Desmodus rotundus is a vampire bat species that inhabits Latin America. Some basic aspects of this species' biology are still unknown, as the histophysiological characteristics of the male reproductive tract. Our study has focused on its epididymis, which is an important organ for performing a variety of functions, especially the sperm maturation and storage. The aim of this study was to identify principal, narrow, clear, and basal cells using cell-specific markers such as aquaporin 9 (AQP9), vacuolar H + -ATPase (V-ATPase), and cytokeratin 5 (KRT5). Principal cells were labeled by AQP9 from initial segment to cauda region in their stereocilia. They were shown with a columnar shape, whereas V-ATPase-rich cells were identified with a goblet-shaped body along the entire epididymis, including the initial segment, which were named as clear cells. Pencil-shaped V-ATPase-rich cells (narrow cells) were not detected in the initial segment of the bat epididymis, unlike in the rodent. Basal cells were labeled by KRT5 and were located at the basal portion of the epithelium forming a dense network. However, no basal cells with a luminal-reaching body extension were observed in the bat epididymis. In summary, epithelial cells were identified by their specific markers in the vampire bat epididymis. Principal and basal cells were labeled by AQP9 and KRT5, respectively. Narrow cells were not observed in the vampire bat epididymis, whereas clear cells were identified by V-ATPase labeling along the entire duct in a goblet-shaped body. In addition, no luminal-reaching basal cells were observed in the vampire bat epididymis.

Altered adrenal steroid metabolism underlying hypercortisolism in female endurance athletes.

PubMed

Lindholm, C; Hirschberg, A L; Carlström, K; von Schoultz, B

1995-06-01

To explore possible changes in adrenal steroid metabolism and androgenic-anabolic status in female endurance athletes as a mechanism for their hypercortisolism. Adrenal steroids and androgenic-anabolic factors were studied during basal conditions and in response to ACTH stimulation related to menstrual status. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Thirteen female elite middle to long distance runners (six eumenorrheic, seven oligoamenorrheic) and seven regularly menstruating controls. Blood samples were collected before and after an injection of 250 micrograms IV synthetic ACTH 1-24. Body weight, height, and body fat were measured. Basal serum concentrations of cortisol, androstenedione (A), DHEA, DHEAS, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), T, steroid-binding proteins, and insulin-like growth factor I and ACTH-induced response (area under the curve) of cortisol, DHEA, and 17-OHP. Oligoamenorrheic athletes had higher basal cortisol and A concentrations compared with healthy controls, whereas basal levels of DHEA and DHEAS were normal. Important findings in the oligoamenorrheic athletes were a significantly lower ratio between the ACTH-induced increments of DHEA and 17-OHP and an increased ratio between basal A and DHEAS. Insulin-like growth factor I was correlated negatively to sex hormone-binding globulin and to the amount of body fat in the combined material. The results indicate a redistribution of adrenal steroid metabolism in favor of glucocorticoid production in female endurance athletes. We suggest that hypercortisolism in female endurance athletes is a physiological adaptation to maintain adequate blood glucose levels during a condition of energy deficiency.

Application of an alkylammonium method for characterization of phyllosilicates in CI chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golden, D. C.; Ming, D. W.; Zolensky, M. E.; Yang, S. V.

1994-01-01

Many meteorites and interplanetary dust particles (IDP's) with primitive compositions contain significant amounts of phyllosilicates, which are generally interpreted as evidence of protoplanetary aqueous alteration at an early period in the solar system. These meteorites are chondrites of the carbonaceous and ordinary varieties. Characterization of phyllosilicates in these materials is important because of the important physico-chemical information they hold, e.g., from well characterized phyllosilicates, thermodynamic stability relations and hence the conditions of formation of phyllosilicates in the parent body of the meteorite can be predicted. Although we are at a rudimentary level of understanding of the minerals resulting from the aqueous alteration in the early solar nebula, we know that the most common phyllosilicates present in chondritic extraterrestrial materials are serpentines, smectites, chlorites, and micas. The characterization of fine grained minerals in meteorites and IDP's rely heavily on electron beam instruments, especially transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Typically, phyllosilicates are identified by a combination of high resolution imaging of basal spacings, electron diffraction analysis, and chemical analysis. Smectites can be difficult to differentiate from micas because the smectites loose their interlayer water and the interlayers collapse to the same basal spacing as mica in the high vacuum of the TEM. In high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) images, smectite basal spacings vary from 1 nm up to 1.5 nm, while micas show 1 or 2 nm basal spacings. Not only is it difficult to differentiate smectites from micas, but there is no way of identifying different classes of smectites in meteorites and IDP's. To differentiate smectites from micas and also to recognize the charge differences among smectites, an alkylammonium method can be employed because the basal spacings of alkylammonium saturated smectites expand as a function of alkylamine chain length and the layer-charge density of the 2:1 expanding phyllosilicate, and the final product is significantly more stable under electron beam examination. Such a method was tested on standard clays and several meteorite samples using four alkylammonium salts.

Oxygen isotope fractionation between bird bone phosphate and drinking water.

PubMed

Amiot, Romain; Angst, Delphine; Legendre, Serge; Buffetaut, Eric; Fourel, François; Adolfssen, Jan; André, Aurore; Bojar, Ana Voica; Canoville, Aurore; Barral, Abel; Goedert, Jean; Halas, Stanislaw; Kusuhashi, Nao; Pestchevitskaya, Ekaterina; Rey, Kevin; Royer, Aurélien; Saraiva, Antônio Álamo Feitosa; Savary-Sismondini, Bérengère; Siméon, Jean-Luc; Touzeau, Alexandra; Zhou, Zhonghe; Lécuyer, Christophe

2017-06-01

Oxygen isotope compositions of bone phosphate (δ 18 O p ) were measured in broiler chickens reared in 21 farms worldwide characterized by contrasted latitudes and local climates. These sedentary birds were raised during an approximately 3 to 4-month period, and local precipitation was the ultimate source of their drinking water. This sampling strategy allowed the relationship to be determined between the bone phosphate δ 18 O p values (from 9.8 to 22.5‰ V-SMOW) and the local rainfall δ 18 O w values estimated from nearby IAEA/WMO stations (from -16.0 to -1.0‰ V-SMOW). Linear least square fitting of data provided the following isotopic fractionation equation: δ 18 O w  = 1.119 (±0.040) δ 18 O p  - 24.222 (±0.644); R 2  = 0.98. The δ 18 O p -δ 18 O w couples of five extant mallard ducks, a common buzzard, a European herring gull, a common ostrich, and a greater rhea fall within the predicted range of the equation, indicating that the relationship established for extant chickens can also be applied to birds of various ecologies and body masses. Applied to published oxygen isotope compositions of Miocene and Pliocene penguins from Peru, this new equation computes estimates of local seawater similar to those previously calculated. Applied to the basal bird Confuciusornis from the Early Cretaceous of Northeastern China, our equation gives a slightly higher δ 18 O w value compared to the previously estimated one, possibly as a result of lower body temperature. These data indicate that caution should be exercised when the relationship estimated for modern birds is applied to their basal counterparts that likely had a metabolism intermediate between that of their theropod dinosaur ancestors and that of advanced ornithurines.

Centrin diversity and basal body patterning across evolution: new insights from Paramecium

PubMed Central

Balavoine, Guillaume; Lemullois, Michel; Bouhouche, Khaled; Beisson, Janine; Koll, France

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT First discovered in unicellular eukaryotes, centrins play crucial roles in basal body duplication and anchoring mechanisms. While the evolutionary status of the founding members of the family, Centrin2/Vfl2 and Centrin3/cdc31 has long been investigated, the evolutionary origin of other members of the family has received less attention. Using a phylogeny of ciliate centrins, we identify two other centrin families, the ciliary centrins and the centrins present in the contractile filaments (ICL centrins). In this paper, we carry on the functional analysis of still not well-known centrins, the ICL1e subfamily identified in Paramecium, and show their requirement for correct basal body anchoring through interactions with Centrin2 and Centrin3. Using Paramecium as well as a eukaryote-wide sampling of centrins from completely sequenced genomes, we revisited the evolutionary story of centrins. Their phylogeny shows that the centrins associated with the ciliate contractile filaments are widespread in eukaryotic lineages and could be as ancient as Centrin2 and Centrin3. PMID:28432105

In vivo examination of the cortical cytoskeleton in multiciliated cells using electron tomography.

PubMed

Clare, Daniel K; Dumoux, Maud; Delacour, Delphine

2015-01-01

Multiciliated cells are characterized by coordinated arrays of motile cilia. In the respiratory tract, the maintenance of this array is essential to ensure proper ciliary and mucus clearance. The establishment and the maintenance of the ciliary set are mediated by the correct positioning of basal bodies at the cell cortex. While microtubule and actin cytoskeletons have been reported to regulate basal body lattices, an understanding of their detailed organization was missing until recently. Here, we describe how electron tomography can highlight the arrangement of the cytoskeletal networks and their interplay with basal bodies in ciliated cells in their tissular environment. Thanks to this approach, information in fine detail on large parts of the cell, dense in organelles, is provided. In combination with other approaches, such as transgenic animal models, electron tomography constitutes a powerful technique giving an overview of tissues and cells concomitantly with acquisition of three-dimensional detail. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Attentional validity effect across the human menstrual cycle varies with basal temperature changes.

PubMed

Beaudoin, Jessica; Marrocco, Richard

2005-03-07

This study examined the correlation between covert attention and basal temperature change during menstrual cycle phase in 22 adult females. Previous work showing beneficial effects of estrogen on working memory led us to hypothesize that attentional function would be facilitated at the apparent time of ovulation. Menstrual phase was determined through questionnaires and objective measurements of basal body temperature (BBT) spikes over a 1 month period. The cued target detection (CTD) task was used to assess visuospatial attentional performance at three times during the menstrual cycle. The mean reaction times (RTs) to visual targets were measured as a function of menstrual cycle phase, cue type and target location. As predicted, the onset of ovulation showed decreased reaction times and a significant increase in the cue validity effect on the days immediately preceding and following ovulation. The magnitude of the attention validity effect was negatively correlated with the basal temperature rise. Women lacking basal temperature shifts failed to show these changes. Results support the conclusion that the natural fluctuations of body temperature, and possibly reproductive hormones, during the menstrual cycle may enhance the attentional component of cognitive performance.

Compositionally graded relaxed AlGaN buffers on semipolar GaN for mid-ultraviolet emission

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Young, Erin C.; Wu Feng; Haeger, Daniel A.

In this Letter, we report on the growth and properties of relaxed, compositionally graded Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}N buffer layers on freestanding semipolar (2021) GaN substrates. Continuous and step compositional grades with Al concentrations up to x = 0.61 have been achieved, with emission wavelengths in the mid-ultraviolet region as low as 265 nm. Coherency stresses were relaxed progressively throughout the grades by misfit dislocation generation via primary (basal) slip and secondary (non-basal) slip systems. Threading dislocation densities in the final layers of the grades were less than 10{sup 6}/cm{sup 2} as confirmed by plan-view transmission electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence studies.

Compositionally graded relaxed AlGaN buffers on semipolar GaN for mid-ultraviolet emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Erin C.; Wu, Feng; Romanov, Alexey E.; Haeger, Daniel A.; Nakamura, Shuji; Denbaars, Steven P.; Cohen, Daniel A.; Speck, James S.

2012-10-01

In this Letter, we report on the growth and properties of relaxed, compositionally graded AlxGa1 - xN buffer layers on freestanding semipolar (202¯1) GaN substrates. Continuous and step compositional grades with Al concentrations up to x = 0.61 have been achieved, with emission wavelengths in the mid-ultraviolet region as low as 265 nm. Coherency stresses were relaxed progressively throughout the grades by misfit dislocation generation via primary (basal) slip and secondary (non-basal) slip systems. Threading dislocation densities in the final layers of the grades were less than 106/cm2 as confirmed by plan-view transmission electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence studies.

Theropod Fauna from Southern Australia Indicates High Polar Diversity and Climate-Driven Dinosaur Provinciality

PubMed Central

Benson, Roger B. J.; Rich, Thomas H.; Vickers-Rich, Patricia; Hall, Mike

2012-01-01

The Early Cretaceous fauna of Victoria, Australia, provides unique data on the composition of high latitude southern hemisphere dinosaurs. We describe and review theropod dinosaur postcranial remains from the Aptian–Albian Otway and Strzelecki groups, based on at least 37 isolated bones, and more than 90 teeth from the Flat Rocks locality. Several specimens of medium- and large-bodied individuals (estimated up to ∼8.5 metres long) represent allosauroids. Tyrannosauroids are represented by elements indicating medium body sizes (∼3 metres long), likely including the holotype femur of Timimus hermani, and a single cervical vertebra represents a juvenile spinosaurid. Single specimens representing medium- and small-bodied theropods may be referrable to Ceratosauria, Ornithomimosauria, a basal coelurosaur, and at least three taxa within Maniraptora. Thus, nine theropod taxa may have been present. Alternatively, four distinct dorsal vertebrae indicate a minimum of four taxa. However, because most taxa are known from single bones, it is likely that small-bodied theropod diversity remains underestimated. The high abundance of allosauroids and basal coelurosaurs (including tyrannosauroids and possibly ornithomimosaurs), and the relative rarity of ceratosaurs, is strikingly dissimilar to penecontemporaneous dinosaur faunas of Africa and South America, which represent an arid, lower-latitude biome. Similarities between dinosaur faunas of Victoria and the northern continents concern the proportional representatation of higher clades, and may result from the prevailing temperate–polar climate of Australia, especially at high latitudes in Victoria, which is similar to the predominant warm–temperate climate of Laurasia, but distinct from the arid climate zone that covered extensive areas of Gondwana. Most dinosaur groups probably attained a near-cosmopolitan distribution in the Jurassic, prior to fragmentation of the Pangaean supercontinent, and some aspects of the hallmark ‘Gondwanan’ fauna of South America and Africa may therefore reflect climate-driven provinciality, not vicariant evolution driven by continental fragmentation. However, vicariance may still be detected at lower phylogenetic levels. PMID:22615916

High prevalence of malnutrition and deranged relationship between energy demands and food intake in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Mohan, A; Poulose, R; Kulshreshtha, I; Chautani, A M; Madan, K; Hadda, V; Guleria, R

2017-07-01

The relation between dietary intake and metabolic profile in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was evaluated. Patients with NSCLC were recruited and their caloric requirement and resting energy expenditure (REE) were calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation and Katch-McArdle formula respectively. Hypermetabolic state was defined as REE more than 10% above the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Body composition parameters were calculated by bioelectric impedance method. The 24-h dietary intake method and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool assessed nutritional intake. One hundred and forty-eight subjects were included (87% males). Of these, 46.6% subjects were hypermetabolic and 31% cachexic, with lower calorie and protein intakes than recommended, although per cent of total energy derived from protein, fat and carbohydrates were similar. Hypermetabolic patients had lower BMI, though the per cent deficit in energy and protein consumption was similar. Cachexia was associated with lower BMR but not with deficit in energy or protein consumption. No correlation was seen between dietary intake and body composition parameters. The calorie and protein intake of NSCLC patients is lower than recommended. The discordance between elevated REE and dietary intake implies that the relationship between increased energy demands and food intake may be altered. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dynamics of Nampt/visfatin and high molecular weight adiponectin in response to oral glucose load in obese and lean women.

PubMed

Unlütürk, Uğur; Harmanci, Ayla; Yildiz, Bülent Okan; Bayraktar, Miyase

2010-04-01

High molecular weight adiponectin (HMWA) is the active circulating form of adiponectin. Nampt/visfatin is the enzyme secreted from adipocytes in an active form and is one of the putative regulators of insulin secretion. To investigate the dynamics of total adiponectin (TA), HMWA and Nampt/visfatin in obese and lean women during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We studied normal glucose-tolerant (NGT), age-matched, 30 obese and 30 lean women. All subjects underwent a standard 75 g, 2-h OGTT, and area under the curve (AUC) during OGTT for glucose, insulin, Nampt/visfatin, TA and HMWA was calculated. Body fat mass was assessed by bioimpedance analysis. Results Obese women had significantly higher basal and AUC values for insulin and Nampt/visfatin, whereas basal and AUC-HMWA were significantly lower in this group. Alternatively, obese and lean groups had similar basal and AUC values for glucose and TA. Basal insulin levels were negatively correlated with HMWA levels, but not with basal Nampt/visfatin. AUC-insulin was correlated positively with AUC-visfatin, and negatively with AUC-HMWA. Total and truncal body fat mass showed positive correlation with basal and AUC-visfatin, and negative correlation with basal and AUC-HMWA. In the NGT state, obese women have higher Nampt/visfatin and lower HMWA levels, both basally and in response to oral glucose challenge. The dynamics of Nampt/visfatin and HMWA during OGTT appear to be linked with insulin and adiposity. Counter-regulatory adaptations in HMWA and Nampt/visfatin might have an impact on suggested adipoinsular axis, contributing to maintenance of normal glucose tolerance.

Characterizing Microbial Diversity and the Potential for Metabolic Function at −15 °C in the Basal Ice of Taylor Glacier, Antarctica

PubMed Central

Doyle, Shawn M.; Montross, Scott N.; Skidmore, Mark L.; Christner, Brent C.

2013-01-01

Measurement of gases entrapped in clean ice from basal portions of the Taylor Glacier, Antarctica, revealed that CO2 ranged from 229 to 328 ppmv and O2 was near 20% of the gas volume. In contrast, vertically adjacent sections of the sediment laden basal ice contained much higher concentrations of CO2 (60,000 to 325,000 ppmv), whereas O2 represented 4 to 18% of the total gas volume. The deviation in gas composition from atmospheric values occurred concurrently with increased microbial cell concentrations in the basal ice profile, suggesting that in situ microbial processes (i.e., aerobic respiration) may have altered the entrapped gas composition. Molecular characterization of 16S rRNA genes amplified from samples of the basal ice indicated a low diversity of bacteria, and most of the sequences characterized (87%) were affiliated with the phylum, Firmicutes. The most abundant phylotypes in libraries from ice horizons with elevated CO2 and depleted O2 concentrations were related to the genus Paenisporosarcina, and 28 isolates from this genus were obtained by enrichment culturing. Metabolic experiments with Paenisporosarcina sp. TG14 revealed its capacity to conduct macromolecular synthesis when frozen in water derived from melted basal ice samples and incubated at −15 °C. The results support the hypothesis that the basal ice of glaciers and ice sheets are cryospheric habitats harboring bacteria with the physiological capacity to remain metabolically active and biogeochemically cycle elements within the subglacial environment. PMID:24833055

Expression of hemidesmosomal and extracellular matrix proteins by normal and malignant human prostate tissue.

PubMed Central

Nagle, R. B.; Hao, J.; Knox, J. D.; Dalkin, B. L.; Clark, V.; Cress, A. E.

1995-01-01

The progression of prostate carcinoma may be influenced by the biochemical nature of the basal lamina surrounding the primary carcinoma cells. As a first step toward understanding this process, the composition and structure of the basal lamina in normal prostate, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and human carcinoma were determined. In addition, a comparison was made between the attachments of the normal basal cell to its underlying basal lamina and those made by primary prostate carcinoma. The normal basal cells form both focal adhesions and hemidesmosomal-like structures as observed by transmission electron microscopy. The normal basal cells exhibited a polarized distribution of hemidesmosomal associated proteins including BP180, BP230, HD1, plectin, laminin-gamma 2(B2t), collagen VII, and the corresponding integrin laminin receptors alpha 6 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 4. The expression and distribution pattern of these proteins were retained in the prostate intraepithelial neoplasia lesions. In contrast, the carcinoma cells uniformly lacked hemidesmosomal structures, the integrin alpha 6 beta 4, BP180, laminin-gamma 2 (B2t), and collagen VII but did express BP230 (30%), plectin, HD1 (15%), and the integrin laminin receptors alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1. These results suggest that, although a detectable basal lamina structure is present in carcinoma, its composition and cellular attachments are abnormal. The loss of critical cellular attachments may play a role in influencing the progression potential of prostate carcinoma. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:7778688

On the nature of the dirty ice at the bottom of the GISP2 ice core

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bender, Michael L.; Burgess, Edward; Alley, Richard B.; Barnett, Bruce; Clow, Gary D.

2010-01-01

We present data on the triple Ar isotope composition in trapped gas from clean, stratigraphically disturbed ice between 2800 and 3040m depth in the GISP2 ice core, and from basal dirty ice from 3040 to 3053m depth. We also present data for the abundance and isotopic composition of O2 and N2, and abundance of Ar, in the basal dirty ice. The Ar/N2 ratio of dirty basal ice, the heavy isotope enrichment (reflecting gravitational fractionation), and the total gas content all indicate that the gases in basal dirty ice originate from the assimilation of clean ice of the overlying glacier, which comprises most of the ice in the dirty bottom layer. O2 is partly to completely depleted in basal ice, reflecting active metabolism. The gravitationally corrected ratio of 40Ar/38Ar, which decreases with age in the global atmosphere, is compatible with an age of 100-250ka for clean disturbed ice. In basal ice, 40Ar is present in excess due to injection of radiogenic 40Ar produced in the underlying continental crust. The weak depth gradient of 40Ar in the dirty basal ice, and the distribution of dirt, indicate mixing within the basal ice, while various published lines of evidence indicate mixing within the overlying clean, disturbed ice. Excess CH4, which reaches thousands of ppm in basal dirty ice at GRIP, is virtually absent in overlying clean disturbed ice, demonstrating that mixing of dirty basal ice into the overlying clean ice, if it occurs at all, is very slow. Order-of-magnitude estimates indicate that the mixing rate of clean ice into dirty ice is sufficient to maintain a steady thickness of dirty ice against thinning from the mean ice flow. The dirty ice appears to consist of two or more basal components in addition to clean glacial ice. A small amount of soil or permafrost, plus preglacial snow, lake or ground ice could explain the observations.

Olfactory bulbectomy induces rapid and stable changes in basal and stress-induced locomotor activity, heart rate and body temperature responses in the home cage.

PubMed

Vinkers, C H; Breuer, M E; Westphal, K G C; Korte, S M; Oosting, R S; Olivier, B; Groenink, L

2009-03-03

Olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in rats causes several behavioral and neurochemical changes. However, the extent and onset of physiological and behavioral changes induced after bulbectomy have been little examined. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received telemetric implants. Before and immediately after OBX surgery, basal and stress-induced heart rate, body temperature, and locomotor activity were measured in the home cage in sham (n=9) and OBX animals (n=11). Stress was induced using novel cage stress or witness stress. Bulbectomized animals differed physiologically and behaviorally from shams. Nocturnally, OBX animals were significantly more active compared with shams, had a higher core body temperature and displayed a decreased heart rate variability. During the light period, OBX animals had a significantly lower basal heart rate and a reduced heart rate variability. These effects became apparent 2-3 days after OBX surgery, and were stable over time. After witness stress, OBX animals showed smaller autonomic (body temperature and heart rate) responses compared with shams, but showed no difference in locomotor responses. In contrast, novel cage stress led to increased locomotor responses in OBX rats compared with sham rats, while no differences were found in autonomic responses. Removal of the olfactory bulbs results in rapid, stable and persistent changes in basal locomotor activity, body temperature, heart rate and heart rate variability. Although the sleep-wake cycle of these parameters is not altered, increases in circadian amplitude are apparent within 3 days after surgery. This indicates that physiological changes in the OBX rat are the immediate result of olfactory bulb removal. Further, stress responsivity in OBX rats depends on stressor intensity. Bulbectomized rats display smaller temperature and heart rate responses to less intense witness stress compared with sham rats. Increased locomotor responses to more intense novel cage stress are present in the home cage as well as the open field. The present study shows that olfactory bulbectomy has rapid and persistent influence on basal and stress-induced physiological parameters.

Direct accumulation pathway of radioactive cesium to fruit-bodies of edible mushroom from contaminated wood logs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohnuki, Toshihiko; Aiba, Yukitoshi; Sakamoto, Fuminori; Kozai, Naofumi; Niizato, Tadafumi; Sasaki, Yoshito

2016-07-01

This paper presents the accumulation process of radioactive Cs in edible mushrooms. We here first report the direct accumulation pathway of radioactive Cs from contaminated wood logs to the fruit-bodies of shiitake mushrooms through the basal portion of the stipe. In this pathway, radioactive Cs is not transported through the hyphae. This pathway results in a high accumulation of radioactive Cs in the fruit-body, more by the excess accumulation of radioactive Cs from the wood logs than that through the hyphae. We grew the fruit-bodies of Shiitake mushroom from radioactive-Cs-contaminated wood logs. The spatial distributions of radioactive Cs and Prussian blue as a tracer of interstitial water in the cross section of the wood log measured after the harvest of the fruit-body from the inoculated sawdust spawn area indicated that some fraction of the radioactive Cs and Prussian blue were transported directly to the basal portion of the stipe during the growth of the fruit-bodies.

Dietary supplementation of a mixture of Lactobacillus strains enhances performance of broiler chickens raised under heat stress conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faseleh Jahromi, Mohammad; Wesam Altaher, Yassir; Shokryazdan, Parisa; Ebrahimi, Roohollah; Ebrahimi, Mahdi; Idrus, Zulkifli; Tufarelli, Vincenzo; Liang, Juan Boo

2016-07-01

High ambient temperature is a major problem in commercial broiler production in the humid tropics because high producing broiler birds consume more feed, have higher metabolic activity, and thus higher body heat production. To evaluate the effects of two previously isolated potential probiotic strains ( Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ITA44) on broilers growing under heat stress condition, a total of 192 chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups of 48 chickens each as follows: CL, birds fed with basal diet raised in 24 °C; PL, birds fed with basal diet plus 0.1 % probiotic mixture raised in 24 °C; CH, birds fed with basal diet raised in 35 °C; and PH, birds fed with basal diet plus 0.1 % probiotic mixture raised in 35 °C. The effects of probiotic mixture on the performance, expression of nutrient absorption genes of the small intestine, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial population of cecal contents, antioxidant capacity of liver, and fatty acid composition of breast muscle were investigated. Results showed that probiotic positively affected the final body weight under both temperature conditions (PL and PH groups) compared to their respective control groups (CL and CH). Probiotic supplementation numerically improved the average daily gain (ADG) under lower temperature, but significantly improved ADG under the higher temperature ( P < 0.05) by sustaining high feed intake. Under the lower temperature environment, supplementation of the two Lactobacillus strains significantly increased the expression of the four sugar transporter genes tested (GLUT2, GLUT5, SGLT1, and SGLT4) indicating probiotic enhances the absorption of this nutrient. Similar but less pronounced effect was also observed under higher temperature (35 °C) condition. In addition, the probiotic mixture improved bacterial population of the cecal contents, by increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing Escherichia coli population, which could be because of higher production of VFA in the cecum, especially at heat stress condition. The two Lactobacillus strains also improved the fatty acid profile of meat, including at heat stress. Generally, the two Lactobacillus strains can be considered as good potential probiotics for chickens due to their good probiotic properties and remarkable efficacy on broiler chickens.

Effects of debris-flow composition on runout and erosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haas, T. D.; Kleinhans, M. G.

2016-12-01

Predicting debris-flow runout is of major importance for hazard mitigation. Apart from topography and volume, runout depends on debris-flow composition (i.e., particle-size distribution and water content), but how is poorly understood. Moreover, debris flows can grow greatly in size by entrainment of bed material, enhancing their volume and thereby runout and hazardous impact. Debris-flow erosion rates also depend on debris-flow composition, but the relation between the two is largely unexplored. Composition thus strongly affects the dynamics of debris flows. We experimentally investigate the effects of composition on debris-flow runout and erosion. We find a clear optimum in the relations of runout with coarse-material fraction and clay fraction. Increasing coarse material concentration leads to larger runout. However, excess coarse material results in a large accumulation of coarse debris at the flow front and enhances diffusivity, increasing frontal friction and decreasing runout. Increasing clay content initially enhances runout, but too much clay leads to very viscous flows, reducing runout. We further find that debris-flow runout depends at least as much on composition as on topography. In general, erosion depth increases with basal shear stress in our experiments, while there is no correlation with grain collisional stress. There are substantial differences in the scour caused by different types of debris flows. Mean and maximum erosion depths generally become larger with increasing water fraction and grain size and decrease with increasing clay content. However, the erodibility of the very coarse-grained experimental debris flows is unrelated to basal shear stress. This relates to the relatively large influence of grain-collisional stress to the total bed stress in these flows (30-50%). The relative effect of grain-collisional stress is low in the other experimental debris flows (<5%) causing erosion to be largely controlled by basal shear stress. These results show that the erosive behaviour of debris flows may change from basal-shear stress dominated to grain-collisional stress dominated in increasingly coarse-grained debris flows. In short, this study improves our understanding of the effects of debris-flow composition on runout and erosion.

Mechanisms of basal ice formation in polar glaciers: An evaluation of the apron entrainment model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitzsimons, Sean; Webb, Nicola; Mager, Sarah; MacDonell, Shelley; Lorrain, Regi; Samyn, Denis

2008-06-01

Previous studies of polar glaciers have argued that basal ice can form when these glaciers override and entrain ice marginal aprons that accumulate adjacent to steep ice cliffs. To test this idea, we have studied the morphology, structure, composition, and deformation of the apron and basal ice at the terminus of Victoria Upper Glacier in the McMurdo dry valleys, which are located on the western coast of the Ross Sea at 77°S in southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. Our results show that the apron has two structural elements: an inner element that consists of strongly foliated ice that has a steep up-glacier dip, and an outer element that lacks a consistent foliation and has a down-glacier, slope-parallel dip. Although strain measurements show that the entire apron is deforming, the inner element is characterized by high strain rates, whereas relatively low rates of strain characterize the outer part of the apron. Co-isotopic analyses of the ice, together with analysis of solute chemistry and sedimentary characteristics, show that the apron is compositionally different from the basal ice. Our observations show that aprons may become deformed and partially entrained by advancing glaciers. However, such an ice marginal process does not provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of basal ice observed at the ice margin. Our interpretation of the origin of basal ice is that it is formed by subglacial processes, which are likely to include deformation and entrainment of subglacial permafrost.

[NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN THE EXPERIMENT WITH 105-DAY ISOLATION AS THE FIRST PHASE OF PROJECT MARS-500].

PubMed

Agureev, A N; Afonin, B V; Sedova, E A; Solovieva, A A; Valuev, V A; Sidorenko, L A

2015-01-01

In a 105-day experiment simulating crew life in a space exploration vehicle, shifts in the nutritional status were assessed in 6 test subjects differing in the body mass index, basal metabolism, attitude to the diet, physical exercise and workload. Results of the investigation showed that because of the hard physical work the nutritional status of test subjects was described by more intensive basal metabolism, elevated metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and their increased mobilization from depots. Food ration, though it was sufficient to sustain health and fairly high performance, failed to meet fully individual taste preferences and energy needs for physical activities. The heavy workloads required mobilization of lipids from adipose depots, and a decrease of the hepatic detoxification and metabolic capacities. Self-limitation of eating protein-rich desserts led to a relative deficiency of protein intake. These faults of the diet were the reason why 4 out of 6 test subjects reduced their basal metabolism and lost body mass. Recovery of metabolism and slowdown of the body mass loss were achieved by supplementing meals with available protein-containing products.

Chirality of the cytoskeleton in the origins of cellular asymmetry

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Self-assembly of two important components of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells, actin microfilaments and microtubules (MTs) results in polar filaments of one chirality. As is true for bacterial flagella, in actin microfilaments, screw direction is important for assembly processes and motility. For MTs, polar orientation within the cell is paramount. The alignment of these elements in the cell cytoplasm gives rise to emergent properties, including the potential for cell differentiation and specialization. Complex MTs with a characteristic chirality are found in basal bodies and centrioles; this chirality is preserved in cilia. In motile cilia, it is reflected in the direction of the effective stroke. The positioning of the basal body or cilia on the cell surface depends on polarity proteins. In evolution, survival depends on global polarity information relayed to the cell in part by orientation of the MT and actin filament cytoskeletons and the chirality of the basal body to determine left and right coordinates within a defined anterior–posterior cell and tissue axis. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Provocative questions in left–right asymmetry’. PMID:27821520

A basal dromaeosaurid and size evolution preceding avian flight.

PubMed

Turner, Alan H; Pol, Diego; Clarke, Julia A; Erickson, Gregory M; Norell, Mark A

2007-09-07

Fossil evidence for changes in dinosaurs near the lineage leading to birds and the origin of flight has been sparse. A dinosaur from Mongolia represents the basal divergence within Dromaeosauridae. The taxon's small body size and phylogenetic position imply that extreme miniaturization was ancestral for Paraves (the clade including Avialae, Troodontidae, and Dromaeosauridae), phylogenetically earlier than where flight evolution is strongly inferred. In contrast to the sustained small body sizes among avialans throughout the Cretaceous Period, the two dinosaurian lineages most closely related to birds, dromaeosaurids and troodontids, underwent four independent events of gigantism, and in some lineages size increased by nearly three orders of magnitude. Thus, change in theropod body size leading to flight's origin was not unidirectional.

Resistant starch and energy balance: impact on weight loss and maintenance.

PubMed

Higgins, Janine A

2014-01-01

The obesity epidemic has prompted researchers to find effective weight-loss and maintenance tools. Weight loss and subsequent maintenance are reliant on energy balance--the net difference between energy intake and energy expenditure. Negative energy balance, lower intake than expenditure, results in weight loss whereas positive energy balance, greater intake than expenditure, results in weight gain. Resistant starch has many attributes, which could promote weight loss and/or maintenance including reduced postprandial insulinemia, increased release of gut satiety peptides, increased fat oxidation, lower fat storage in adipocytes, and preservation of lean body mass. Retention of lean body mass during weight loss or maintenance would prevent the decrease in basal metabolic rate and, therefore, the decrease in total energy expenditure, that occurs with weight loss. In addition, the fiber-like properties of resistant starch may increase the thermic effect of food, thereby increasing total energy expenditure. Due to its ability to increase fat oxidation and reduce fat storage in adipocytes, resistant starch has recently been promoted in the popular press as a "weight loss wonder food". This review focuses on data describing the effects of resistant starch on body weight, energy intake, energy expenditure, and body composition to determine if there is sufficient evidence to warrant these claims.

Protracted effects of chronic stress on serotonin-dependent thermoregulation.

PubMed

Natarajan, Reka; Northrop, Nicole A; Yamamoto, Bryan K

2015-01-01

Chronic stress is known to affect serotonin (5HT) neurotransmission in the brain and to alter body temperature. The body temperature is controlled in part, by the medial preoptic area (mPOA) of the hypothalamus. To investigate the effect of chronic stress on 5HT and how it affects body temperature regulation, we examined whether exposure to a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) paradigm produces long-term alterations in thermoregulatory function of the mPOA through decreased 5HT neurotransmission. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 21 d of CUS. Four days after the last stress exposure, basal body temperature in the home cage and body temperature in a cold room maintained at 10 °C were recorded. The CUS rats had significantly higher subcutaneous basal body temperature at 13:00 h compared to unstressed (NoStress) rats. Whereas the NoStress rats were able to significantly elevate body temperature from basal levels at 30 and 60 min of exposure to the cold room, the CUS rats showed a hypothermic response to the cold. Treatment during CUS with metyrapone, a corticosterone synthesis inhibitor, blocked stress-induced decrease in body temperature in response to the cold challenge. CUS also decreased 5HT transporter protein immunoreactivity in the mPOA and 5HT2A/C agonist injection into the mPOA after CUS exposure caused stressed rats to exhibit a sensitized hyperthermic response to cold. These results indicate that the CUS induced changes to the 5HTergic system alter mPOA function in thermoregulation. These findings help us to explain the mechanisms underlying chronic stress-induced disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome wherein long lasting thermoregulatory deficits are observed.

Protracted effects of chronic stress on serotonin dependent thermoregulation

PubMed Central

Natarajan, Reka; Northrop, Nicole A.; Yamamoto, Bryan K.

2016-01-01

Chronic stress is known to affect serotonin (5HT) neurotransmission in the brain and to alter body temperature. Body temperature is controlled in part, by the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (mPOA). To investigate the effect of chronic stress on 5HT and how it affects body temperature regulation, we examined whether exposure to a chronic unpredictable stress paradigm (CUS) produces long-term alterations in thermoregulatory function of the mPOA through decreased 5HT neurotransmission. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 21 days of CUS. Four days after last stress exposure, basal body temperature in the home cage and body temperature in a cold room maintained at 10°C were recorded. CUS rats had significantly higher subcutaneous basal body temperature at 13:00 h compared to unstressed (NoStress) rats. Whereas the NoStress rats were able to significantly elevate body temperature from basal levels at 30 and 60 min of exposure to the cold room, the CUS rats showed a hypothermic response to the cold. Treatment during CUS with metyrapone, a corticosterone synthesis inhibitor, blocked stress-induced decrease in body temperature in response to the cold challenge. CUS also decreased 5HT transporter protein immunoreactivity in the mPOA and 5HT2A/C agonist injection into the mPOA after CUS exposure caused stressed rats to exhibit a sensitized hyperthermic response to cold. These results indicate that CUS induced changes to the 5HTergic system alters mPOA function in thermoregulation. These findings help explain mechanisms underlying chronic stress induced disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome wherein long lasting thermoregulatory deficits are observed. PMID:26414686

Fixed ratio combinations of glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists with basal insulin: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Liakopoulou, Paraskevi; Liakos, Aris; Vasilakou, Despoina; Athanasiadou, Eleni; Bekiari, Eleni; Kazakos, Kyriakos; Tsapas, Apostolos

2017-06-01

Basal insulin controls primarily fasting plasma glucose but causes hypoglycaemia and weight gain, whilst glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists induce weight loss without increasing risk for hypoglycaemia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials to investigate the efficacy and safety of fixed ratio combinations of basal insulin with glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists. We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library as well as conference abstracts up to December 2016. We assessed change in haemoglobin A 1c , body weight, and incidence of hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal adverse events. We included eight studies with 5732 participants in the systematic review. Switch from basal insulin to fixed ratio combinations with a glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonist was associated with 0.72% reduction in haemoglobin A 1c [95% confidence interval -1.03 to -0.41; I 2  = 93%] and 2.35 kg reduction in body weight (95% confidence interval -3.52 to -1.19; I 2  = 93%), reducing also risk for hypoglycaemia [odds ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.57 to 0.86; I 2  = 85%] but increasing incidence of nausea (odds ratio 6.89; 95% confidence interval 3.73-12.74; I 2  = 79%). Similarly, switching patients from treatment with a glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonist to a fixed ratio combination with basal insulin was associated with 0.94% reduction in haemoglobin A 1c (95% confidence interval -1.11 to -0.77) and an increase in body weight by 2.89 kg (95% confidence interval 2.17-3.61). Fixed ratio combinations of basal insulin with glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists improve glycaemic control whilst balancing out risk for hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal side effects.

Exploring the effects of inclusion of dietary fresh Azolla on the performance of White Pekin broiler ducks.

PubMed

Acharya, Parag; Mohanty, G P; Pradhan, C R; Mishra, S K; Beura, N C; Moharana, B

2015-11-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary advantages of inclusion of unconventional nutrient source, i.e., Azolla in the basal diet of White Pekin broilers. All ducklings were randomly distributed into three treatment groups with three replicates each and each replicate having 12 ducklings and were reared in deep litter system. Groups were subjected to three dietary treatments such as G1: Basal diet, G2: Basal diet + 5% fresh Azolla of basal diet, G3: Basal diet + 10% fresh Azolla of basal diet. During experimental period, parameters, such as bodyweight, bodyweight gain, feed consumption,feed conversion ratio(FCR), and economic of production,wererecorded. The result showed that body weights in every week, except the 5(th) week, did not differ significantly between groups. However, no significant difference was observed between the groups in any week in terms of absolute body weight gain and feed consumption. As regard to FCR, the 10% Azolla group (G3) showed the best feed efficiency followed by the 5% Azolla group (G2) and the control group (G1). On the basis of profit/bird or profit/kg live weight, each of the Azolla-fed group showed a higher economic efficiency than the control. From the experiment, it was concluded that Azollaat 5 or 10% level can be included in the diet to economize the White Pekin broiler farming, and it can be great impetus to poultry farming to include unconventional nutrient source as a dietary supplement.

Effect of dietary taurine supplementation on growth, feed efficiency, and nutrient composition of juvenile sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Juvenile sablefish were fed a low taurine, basal feed with seven graded levels of supplemental taurine to determine taurine requirements for growth and feed efficiency. The basal feed was plant based, formulated primarily with soy and corn proteins with a minimal (9%) amount of fishmeal. The unsuppl...

Effect of dietary supplementation of sea buckthorn and giloe leaf meal on the body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, biochemical attributes, and meat composition of turkey poults

PubMed Central

Sharma, Aditya; Shukla, Pankaj Kumar; Bhattacharyya, Amitav; Kumar, Upendra; Roy, Debashis; Yadav, Brijesh; Prakash, Atul

2018-01-01

Aim: In the recent past, few studies have been carried out about sea buckthorn (SBT) and giloe in chicken as a part of the quest for suitable alternatives to antibiotics. However, studies in turkeys are lacking. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of SBT and giloe leaf meal by dietary feed supplementation in turkey poults. Materials and Methods: A total of 1-day-old turkey poults (n=84) of small white variety were distributed into four dietary treatments having three replicates each with seven birds. The study was conducted in turkey poults during 0-8 weeks of age. During the experiment, the poults were fed basal ration (28% crude protein [CP], 2800 Kcal/kg ME) T1, T2-basal ration was supplemented with SBT leaf meal powder at 0.5%, T3-basal ration was supplemented with giloe leaf meal powder at 0.5%, and T4-basal ration was fed along with supplementation of both SBT at 0.5% and giloe leaf meal powder at 0.5%. Results: T2 turkey poults had a significantly higher (p<0.01) body weight gain than T3 and T4 at 7th week of age. Weekly body weight gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 than T3 during 5th-8th week and 0-8th week of the growth phase. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better (p<0.01) in T2 than other treatment groups during 4th-8th week phase of growth (2.09 vs. 2.36, 2.29 and 2.31). Further, FCR was significantly better (p<0.01) in T2 group as compared to other treatment groups during 0-8th week of growth phase (1.95 vs. 2.21, 2.21 and 2.12). Plasma uric acid was found significantly increased (p<0.05) in T1 than T3 and T4, and alkaline phosphatase value was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T1 and T3 than T2. Zinc content of breast (pectoralis major) muscles was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 and T4 as compared to T1, while ether extract (EE) in thigh (ilio tibialis) muscles was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 as compared to the other treatment groups. Conclusion: It may be concluded that supplementation of SBT leaf meal at 0.5% may improve production performance of turkey poults. Supplementation of 0.5% SBT leaf meal may result in higher levels of zinc and EE in the breast and thigh cuts of turkey poults. PMID:29479163

Effect of dietary supplementation of sea buckthorn and giloe leaf meal on the body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, biochemical attributes, and meat composition of turkey poults.

PubMed

Sharma, Aditya; Shukla, Pankaj Kumar; Bhattacharyya, Amitav; Kumar, Upendra; Roy, Debashis; Yadav, Brijesh; Prakash, Atul

2018-01-01

In the recent past, few studies have been carried out about sea buckthorn (SBT) and giloe in chicken as a part of the quest for suitable alternatives to antibiotics. However, studies in turkeys are lacking. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of SBT and giloe leaf meal by dietary feed supplementation in turkey poults. A total of 1-day-old turkey poults (n=84) of small white variety were distributed into four dietary treatments having three replicates each with seven birds. The study was conducted in turkey poults during 0-8 weeks of age. During the experiment, the poults were fed basal ration (28% crude protein [CP], 2800 Kcal/kg ME) T1, T2-basal ration was supplemented with SBT leaf meal powder at 0.5%, T3-basal ration was supplemented with giloe leaf meal powder at 0.5%, and T4-basal ration was fed along with supplementation of both SBT at 0.5% and giloe leaf meal powder at 0.5%. T2 turkey poults had a significantly higher (p<0.01) body weight gain than T3 and T4 at 7 th week of age. Weekly body weight gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 than T3 during 5 th -8 th week and 0-8 th week of the growth phase. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better (p<0.01) in T2 than other treatment groups during 4 th -8 th week phase of growth (2.09 vs. 2.36, 2.29 and 2.31). Further, FCR was significantly better (p<0.01) in T2 group as compared to other treatment groups during 0-8 th week of growth phase (1.95 vs. 2.21, 2.21 and 2.12). Plasma uric acid was found significantly increased (p<0.05) in T1 than T3 and T4, and alkaline phosphatase value was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T1 and T3 than T2. Zinc content of breast (pectoralis major) muscles was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 and T4 as compared to T1, while ether extract (EE) in thigh (ilio tibialis) muscles was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 as compared to the other treatment groups. It may be concluded that supplementation of SBT leaf meal at 0.5% may improve production performance of turkey poults. Supplementation of 0.5% SBT leaf meal may result in higher levels of zinc and EE in the breast and thigh cuts of turkey poults.

Basal insulin treatment intensification in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A comprehensive systematic review of current options.

PubMed

Raccah, D

2017-04-01

As type 2 diabetes mellitus progresses, most patients require treatment with basal insulin in combination with another agent to achieve recommended glycaemic targets. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the evidence supporting the use of the available add-on treatments [rapid-acting insulin (RAI), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors] to basal insulin. MEDLINE, EMBASE and EBSCOhost were searched for English-language articles, and all those captured were original articles (case studies and narrative reviews were omitted). Data on study design, population demographics, interventions and outcomes were tabulated. The extracted outcome data included changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1c ), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), as well as body weight and safety data. A total of 88 publications were deemed relevant. All treatments reduced HbA 1c and FPG. The most pronounced reductions in PPG, an unmet need in patients not controlled by basal insulin, were seen following administration of RAIs and short-acting GLP-1 RAs, although data for this outcome are generally lacking. Body weight benefits were observed with GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors. However, as only articles in English were included, the result was a possible publication bias, while the diversity of study designs and drug combinations limited comparisons between studies. The evidence supports effectiveness of the available add-on treatments to basal insulin. However, other factors, such as potential body-weight increases, convenience/compliance and adverse events, particularly hypoglycaemia, should be considered on a patient-by-patient basis to optimalize treatment outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Spatio-temporal isotopic signatures (δ13 C and δ15 N) reveal that two sympatric West African mullet species do not feed on the same basal production sources.

PubMed

Le Loc'h, F; Durand, J-D; Diop, K; Panfili, J

2015-04-01

Potential trophic competition between two sympatric mullet species, Mugil cephalus and Mugil curema, was explored in the hypersaline estuary of the Saloum Delta (Senegal) using δ(13) C and δ(15) N composition of muscle tissues. Between species, δ(15) N compositions were similar, suggesting a similar trophic level, while the difference in δ(13) C compositions indicated that these species did not feed from exactly the same basal production sources or at least not in the same proportions. This result provides the first evidence of isotopic niche segregation between two limno-benthophageous species belonging to the geographically widespread, and often locally abundant, Mugilidae family. © 2015 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Pregnancy - identifying fertile days

MedlinePlus

... mean ovulation is near. TAKING YOUR BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE After you ovulate, your body temperature will rise and stay at a higher level ... can use a special thermometer to take your temperature in the morning before you get out of ...

Effect of dietary carbohydrate source on the development of obesity in agouti transgenic mice.

PubMed

Morris, Kristin L; Zemel, Michael B

2005-01-01

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of a qualitative change in dietary carbohydrate source on body weight and adiposity in a rodent model of diet-induced obesity. We evaluated the effects of high-fat diets (basal) varying in carbohydrate source in aP2-agouti transgenic mice. In the ad libitum study, animals were given free access to the basal diet or one of four test diets for 6 weeks. In two of the diets, dietary carbohydrate was derived from a single source: mung bean noodles (MUNG) or rolled oats (ROLL). The remaining diets were designed to mimic commercially available instant oatmeal with added sugar (IO-S) or flavored instant oatmeal (IO-F). In the energy-restricted study, animals were given ad libitum access to the basal diet for 6 weeks. Subsequently, animals were assigned to one of six treatment groups for 6 weeks. One group was continued on the basal diet ad libitum. The remaining groups were maintained with energy restriction (70% ad libitum) on either the basal, MUNG, ROLL, IO-S, or IO-F diet. Subcutaneous fat pad mass was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the energy-restricted basal and IO-S groups compared with the energy-restricted ROLL diet. Similarly, visceral fat pad mass was significantly lower with ROLL and MUNG diets (p<0.05 for both) compared with basal and IO-S diets, and the insulin:glucose ratio was reduced (by 23% to 34%, p<0.05) in these two diets compared with all others. In ad libitum-fed animals, liver fatty acid synthase expression was 43% to 62% lower (p<0.05) with ROLL and MUNG diets compared with all others. These data suggest that a qualitative change in dietary carbohydrate source modulates body weight and adiposity.

Prenatal Androgen Excess Negatively Impacts Body Fat Distribution in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PubMed Central

Bruns, Cristin M; Baum, Scott T; Colman, Ricki J; Dumesic, Daniel A; Eisner, Joel R; Jensen, Michael D; Whigham, Leah D; Abbott, David H

2008-01-01

Introduction Prenatally androgenized (PA) female rhesus monkeys share metabolic abnormalities in common with PCOS women. Early gestation exposure (E) results in insulin resistance, impaired pancreatic beta-cell function and type 2 diabetes, while late gestation exposure (L) results in supranormal insulin sensitivity that declines with increasing body mass index (BMI). Objective To determine whether PA females have altered body fat distribution. Design Five EPA, 5 LPA, and 5 control adult female monkeys underwent somatometrics, dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and abdominal computed tomography (CT). Five control and 5 EPA females underwent an intravenous glucose tolerance test to assess the relationship between body composition and glucoregulation. Results There were no differences in age, weight, BMI, or somatometrics. LPA females had ∼20% greater DXA-determined total fat and percent body fat, as well as total and percent abdominal fat than EPA or control females (p≤0.05). LPA females also had ∼40% more CT-determined non-visceral abdominal fat than EPA or control females (p≤0.05). The volume of visceral fat was similar among the 3 groups. EPA (R2=0.94, p≤0.01) and LPA (R2=0.53, p=0.16) females had a positive relationship between visceral fat and BMI, although not significant for LPA females. Conversely, control females had a positive relationship between non-visceral fat and BMI (R2=0.98, p≤0.001). There was a positive relationship between basal insulin and total body (R2=0.95, p≤0.007), total abdominal (R2=0.81, p≤0.04), and visceral (R2=0.82, p≤0.03) fat quantities in EPA, but not control females. Conclusions Prenatal androgenization in female rhesus monkeys induces adiposity-dependent visceral fat accumulation, and late gestation androgenization causes increased total body and non-visceral fat mass. Early gestation androgenization induces visceral fat-dependent hyperinsulinemia. The relationship between the timing of prenatal androgen exposure and body composition phenotypes in this nonhuman primate model for PCOS may provide insight into the heterogeneity of metabolic defects found in PCOS women. PMID:17471299

Prenatal androgen excess negatively impacts body fat distribution in a nonhuman primate model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Bruns, C M; Baum, S T; Colman, R J; Dumesic, D A; Eisner, J R; Jensen, M D; Whigham, L D; Abbott, D H

2007-10-01

Prenatally androgenized (PA) female rhesus monkeys share metabolic abnormalities in common with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women. Early gestation exposure (E) results in insulin resistance, impaired pancreatic beta-cell function and type 2 diabetes, while late gestation exposure (L) results in supranormal insulin sensitivity that declines with increasing body mass index (BMI). To determine whether PA females have altered body fat distribution. Five early-treated PA (EPA), five late-treated PA (LPA) and five control adult female monkeys underwent somatometrics, dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and abdominal computed tomography (CT). Five control and five EPA females underwent an intravenous glucose tolerance test to assess the relationship between body composition and glucoregulation. There were no differences in age, weight, BMI or somatometrics. LPA females had approximately 20% greater DXA-determined total fat and percent body fat, as well as total and percent abdominal fat than EPA or control females (P< or =0.05). LPA females also had approximately 40% more CT-determined non-visceral abdominal fat than EPA or control females (P< or =0.05). The volume of visceral fat was similar among the three groups. EPA (R (2)=0.94, P< or =0.01) and LPA (R (2)=0.53, P=0.16) females had a positive relationship between visceral fat and BMI, although not significant for LPA females. Conversely, control females had a positive relationship between non-visceral fat and BMI (R (2)=0.98, P< or =0.001). There was a positive relationship between basal insulin and total body (R (2)=0.95, P< or =0.007), total abdominal (R (2)=0.81, P< or =0.04) and visceral (R (2)=0.82, P< or =0.03) fat quantities in EPA, but not control females. Prenatal androgenization in female rhesus monkeys induces adiposity-dependent visceral fat accumulation, and late gestation androgenization causes increased total body and non-visceral fat mass. Early gestation androgenization induces visceral fat-dependent hyperinsulinemia. The relationship between the timing of prenatal androgen exposure and body composition phenotypes in this nonhuman primate model for PCOS may provide insight into the heterogeneity of metabolic defects found in PCOS women.

Changes in fat distribution (WHR) and body weight across the menstrual cycle.

PubMed

Kirchengast, S; Gartner, M

2002-12-01

The aim of the present study was to analyze changes of the body weight and waist-to-hip ratio during menstrual cycle, with special respect to changes around ovulation. 32 healthy young women ranging in age between 19 and 30 years (X = 23.5) were enrolled in the study. Beside a basal anthropometric investigation (stature, weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, fat percentage, waist to hip ratio) the probands were instructed to take body weight, waist and hip circumference and basal body temperature every morning by themselves over a whole cycle. Three proband groups according to cycle length (average, short and long) were defined and eight hormonal contraceptive users served as controls. It turned out that body weight increased only slightly during the second cycle half in all proband groups. A marked decrease of WHR around the time of ovulation was found in the proband group who exhibited average cycle length and a successful ovulation could be assumed. Evolutionary and physiological explanations are discussed.

The Structure of the Statocyst of the Freshwater Snail Biomphalaria Glabrata (Pulmonata, Basommatophora)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gao, Wenyuan; Wiederhold, Michael L.

1997-01-01

The structure of the statocyst of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata has been examined by light and electron microscopy. The two statocysts are located on the dorsal-lateral side of the left and right pedal ganglion. The statocysts are spherical, fluid-filled capsules with a diameter of approximately 60 microns for young and 110 microns for adult snails. The wall of the cyst is composed of large receptor cells and many smaller supporting cells. The receptor cells bear cilia which are evenly distributed on the apical surface. The cilia have the typical 9+2 internal tubule configuration. Striate rootlets originate from the base of the basal body and run downward into the cytoplasm. Side-roots arise from one side of the basal body and a basal foot from the other. For each receptor cell, the basal foot always points to the periphery of the surface, indicating that the receptor cell is non-polarized. The receptor cells contain cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria, ribosomes, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, compact Golgi bodies and multivesicular bodies. Supporting cells bearing microvilli are interposed between the receptor cells. The junction complex between the supporting cells and the receptor cells is composed of adherens and septate junctions, while between supporting cells only the adherens junctions are present. The static nerve arises from the lateral side of the cyst and contains axons in which parallel neurotubules and mitochondria are found. The axons arise directly from the base of the receptor cells without synapse. In the cyst lumen there are unattached statoconia. The statoconia have a plate-like or concentric membranous ring structure. Based on the morphology, the function of the statocyst in Biomphalaria is discussed.

Spaceflight effects on biomechanical and biochemical properties of rat vertebrae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zernicke, R. F.; Vailas, A. C.; Grindeland, R. E.; Kaplansky, A.; Salem, G. J.; Martinez, D. A.

1990-01-01

The biomechanical and biochemical responses of lumbar vertebral bodies during a 12.5-day spaceflight (Cosmos 1887 biosatellite) were determined for rapidly growing rats (90-day-old, Czechoslovakian-Wistar). By use of age-matched vivarium controls (normal cage environment) and synchronous controls (simulated flight conditions), as well as a basal control group (killed before lift-off on the 1st day of flight), the combined influences of growth and space-flight could be examined. Centra of the sixth lumbar vertebrae (L6) were compressed to 50% strain at a fast strain rate while immersed in physiological buffer (37 degrees C). The body masses of vivarium and synchronous controls were significantly heavier than either the flight or basal controls. The flight group had an L6 vertebral body compressional stiffness that was 39% less than the vivarium controls, 47% less than the synchronous control, and 16% less than the basal controls. In addition, the average initial maximum load of the flight L6 was 22% less than vivarium controls and 18% less than the synchronous controls, whereas the linear compressional load of the flight group averaged 34% less than the vivarium and 25% less than the synchronous groups. The structural properties of the vertebrae from the 12.5-day-younger basal group closely resembled the flight vertebrae. Calcium, phosphorous, and hydroxyproline concentrations were not significantly different among the groups. Nevertheless, the lack of strength and stiffness development in spaceflight, coupled with a smaller proportion of mature hydroxypyridinoline cross-links, suggested that the 12.5 days of spaceflight slowed the maturation of trabecular bone in the vertebral bodies of rapidly growing rats.

CC2D2A Is Mutated in Joubert Syndrome and Interacts with the Ciliopathy-Associated Basal Body Protein CEP290

PubMed Central

Gorden, Nicholas T.; Arts, Heleen H.; Parisi, Melissa A.; Coene, Karlien L.M.; Letteboer, Stef J.F.; van Beersum, Sylvia E.C.; Mans, Dorus A.; Hikida, Abigail; Eckert, Melissa; Knutzen, Dana; Alswaid, Abdulrahman F.; Özyurek, Hamit; Dibooglu, Sel; Otto, Edgar A.; Liu, Yangfan; Davis, Erica E.; Hutter, Carolyn M.; Bammler, Theo K.; Farin, Frederico M.; Dorschner, Michael; Topçu, Meral; Zackai, Elaine H.; Rosenthal, Phillip; Owens, Kelly N.; Katsanis, Nicholas; Vincent, John B.; Hildebrandt, Friedhelm; Rubel, Edwin W.; Raible, David W.; Knoers, Nine V.A.M.; Chance, Phillip F.; Roepman, Ronald; Moens, Cecilia B.; Glass, Ian A.; Doherty, Dan

2008-01-01

Joubert syndrome and related disorders (JSRD) are primarily autosomal-recessive conditions characterized by hypotonia, ataxia, abnormal eye movements, and intellectual disability with a distinctive mid-hindbrain malformation. Variable features include retinal dystrophy, cystic kidney disease, and liver fibrosis. JSRD are included in the rapidly expanding group of disorders called ciliopathies, because all six gene products implicated in JSRD (NPHP1, AHI1, CEP290, RPGRIP1L, TMEM67, and ARL13B) function in the primary cilium/basal body organelle. By using homozygosity mapping in consanguineous families, we identify loss-of-function mutations in CC2D2A in JSRD patients with and without retinal, kidney, and liver disease. CC2D2A is expressed in all fetal and adult tissues tested. In ciliated cells, we observe localization of recombinant CC2D2A at the basal body and colocalization with CEP290, whose cognate gene is mutated in multiple hereditary ciliopathies. In addition, the proteins can physically interact in vitro, as shown by yeast two-hybrid and GST pull-down experiments. A nonsense mutation in the zebrafish CC2D2A ortholog (sentinel) results in pronephric cysts, a hallmark of ciliary dysfunction analogous to human cystic kidney disease. Knockdown of cep290 function in sentinel fish results in a synergistic pronephric cyst phenotype, revealing a genetic interaction between CC2D2A and CEP290 and implicating CC2D2A in cilium/basal body function. These observations extend the genetic spectrum of JSRD and provide a model system for studying extragenic modifiers in JSRD and other ciliopathies. PMID:18950740

Regulation of the Yersinia type III secretion system: traffic control

PubMed Central

Dewoody, Rebecca S.; Merritt, Peter M.; Marketon, Melanie M.

2013-01-01

Yersinia species, as well as many other Gram-negative pathogens, use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to translocate effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm to the host cytosol. This T3SS resembles a molecular syringe, with a needle-like shaft connected to a basal body structure, which spans the inner and outer bacterial membranes. The basal body of the injectisome shares a high degree of homology with the bacterial flagellum. Extending from the T3SS basal body is the needle, which is a polymer of a single protein, YscF. The distal end of the needle serves as a platform for the assembly of a tip complex composed of LcrV. Though never directly observed, prevailing models assume that LcrV assists in the insertion of the pore-forming proteins YopB and YopD into the host cell membrane. This completes a bridge between the bacterium and host cell to provide a continuous channel through which effectors are delivered. Significant effort has gone into understanding how the T3SS is assembled, how its substrates are recognized and how substrate delivery is controlled. Arguably the latter topic is the least understood; however, recent advances have provided new insight, and therefore, this review will focus primarily on summarizing the current state of knowledge regarding the control of substrate delivery by the T3SS. Specifically, we will discuss the roles of YopK, as well as YopN and YopE, which have long been linked to regulation of translocation. We also propose models whereby the YopK regulator communicates with the basal body of the T3SS to control translocation. PMID:23390616

The influence of apical and basal defoliation on the canopy structure and biochemical composition of Vitis vinifera cv. Shiraz grapes and wine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Pangzhen; Wu, Xiwen; Needs, Sonja; Liu, Di; Fuentes, Sigfredo; Howell, Kate

2017-07-01

Defoliation is a commonly used viticultural technique to balance the ratio between grapevine vegetation and fruit. Defoliation is conducted around the fruit zone to reduce the leaf photosynthetic area, and to increase sunlight exposure of grape bunches. Apical leaf removal is not commonly practiced, and therefore its influence on canopy structure and resultant wine aroma is not well studied. This study quantified the influences of apical and basal defoliation on canopy structure parameters using canopy cover photography and computer vision algorithms. The influence of canopy structure changes on the chemical compositions of grapes and wines was investigated over two vintages (2010-11 and 2015-16) in Yarra Valley, Australia. The Shiraz grapevines were subjected to five different treatments: no leaf removal (Ctrl); basal (TB) and apical (TD) leaf removal at veraison and intermediate ripeness, respectively. Basal leaf removal significantly reduced the leaf area index and foliage cover and increased canopy porosity, while apical leaf removal had limited influences on canopy parameters. However, the latter tended to result in lower alcohol level in the finished wine. Statistically significant increases in pH and decreases in TA was observed in shaded grapes, while no significant changes in the color profile and volatile compounds of the resultant wine were found. These results suggest that apical leaf removal is an effective method to reduce wine alcohol concentration with minimal influences on wine composition.

Seasonal changes in the thermoenergetics of the marsupial sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps.

PubMed

Holloway, J C; Geiser, F

2001-11-01

Little information is available on seasonal changes in thermal physiology and energy expenditure in marsupials. To provide new information on the subject, we quantified how body mass, body composition, metabolic rate, maximum heat production, body temperature and thermal conductance change with season in sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) held in outdoor aviaries. Sugar gliders increased body mass in autumn to a peak in May/June, which was caused to a large extent by an increase in body fat content. Body mass then declined to minimum values in August/September. Resting metabolic rate both below and above the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) was higher in summer than in winter and the lower critical temperature of the TNZ occurred at a higher ambient temperature (Ta) in summer. The basal metabolic rate was as much as 45% below that predicted from allometric equations for placental mammals and was about 15% lower in winter than in summer. In contrast, maximum heat production was raised significantly by about 20% in winter. This, together with an approximately 20% decrease in thermal conductance, resulted in a 13 degrees C reduction of the minimum effective Ta gliders were able to withstand. Our study provides the first evidence that, despite the apparent lack of functional brown adipose tissue, sugar gliders are able to significantly increase heat production in winter. Moreover, the lower thermoregulatory heat production at most TaS in winter, when food in the wild is scarce, should allow them to reduce energy expenditure.

Four-week dietary supplementation with 10- and/or 15-fold basal choline caused decreased body weight in Sprague Dawley rats.

PubMed

Bagley, Bradford D; Chang, Shu-Ching; Ehresman, David J; Eveland, Alan; Parker, George A; Peters, Jeffrey M; Butenhoff, John L

2017-10-01

Choline is an essential nutrient utilized for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis and lipoprotein packaging and secretion. Recently, choline supplementation has been used by athletes and the public for weight loss. However, the potential toxicological impact of choline dietary supplementation requires further investigation. This study examined the effects of choline dietary supplementation in Sprague Dawley rats for 4 weeks. Rats were fed diets containing basal choline levels (control) or 5-, 10-, or 15-fold (5×, 10×, or 15×) basal diet concentration. In groups fed choline-supplemented diets, there were no toxicologically relevant findings in clinical observations, food intake, clinical chemistry, liver weights, or liver histopathology. However, decreased mean body weights (8.5-10.2%) and body weight gains (24-31%) were noted for the 10× choline-supplemented (females only) and 15× choline-supplemented (both sexes) groups relative to the control groups from day 3 onward. These body weight effects were not related to a persistent reduction in average food intake. Serum cholesterol was increased in the 15× choline-supplemented male rats relative to the controls, an expected effect of choline supplementation; however, there were no changes in the serum cholesterol of female rats. Serum choline concentrations were increased in female rats relative to the male rats across all treatment groups. The maximum tolerated dose for male and female rats were the 15× and 10× choline supplements, respectively, based on decreased mean body weight and body weight gains. This study supported the conclusions of a clinical trial that showed a high choline diet can decrease body weight in humans.

Diel rhythmicity of lipid-body formation in a coral- Symbiodinium endosymbiosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W.-N. U.; Kang, H.-J.; Weis, V. M.; Mayfield, A. B.; Jiang, P.-L.; Fang, L.-S.; Chen, C.-S.

2012-06-01

The biogenesis of intracellular lipid bodies (LBs) is dependent upon the symbiotic status between host corals and their intracellular dinoflagellates (genus Symbiodinium), though aside from this observation, little is known about LB behavior and function in this globally important endosymbiosis. The present research aimed to understand how LB formation and density are regulated in the gastrodermal tissue layer of the reef-building coral Euphyllia glabrescens. After tissue fixation and labeling with osmium tetroxide, LB distribution and density were quantified by imaging analysis of serial cryo-sections, and a diel rhythmicity was observed; the onset of solar irradiation at sunrise initiated an increase in LB density and size, which peaked at sunset. Both LB density and size then decreased to basal levels at night. On a seasonal timescale, LB density was found to be significantly positively correlated with seasonal irradiation, with highest densities found in the summer and lowest in the fall. In terms of LB lipid composition, only the concentration of wax esters, and not triglycerides or sterols, exhibited diel variability. This suggests that the metabolism and accumulation of lipids in LBs is at least partially light dependent. Ultrastructural examinations revealed that the LB wax ester concentration correlated with the number of electron-transparent inclusion bodies. Finally, there was a directional redistribution of the LB population across the gastroderm over the diel cycle. Collectively, these data reveal that coral gastrodermal LBs vary in composition and intracellular location over diel cycles, features which may shed light on their function within this coral-dinoflagellate mutualism.

Impact of competitor species composition on predicting diameter growth and survival rates of Douglas-fir trees in southwestern Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bravo, Felipe; Hann, D.W.; Maguire, Douglas A.

2001-01-01

Mixed conifer and hardwood stands in southwestern Oregon were studied to explore the hypothesis that competition effects on individual-tree growth and survival will differ according to the species comprising the competition measure. Likewise, it was hypothesized that competition measures should extrapolate best if crown-based surrogates are given preference over diameter-based (basal area based) surrogates. Diameter growth and probability of survival were modeled for individual Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees growing in pure stands. Alternative models expressing one-sided and two-sided competition as a function of either basal area or crown structure were then applied to other plots in which Douglas-fir was mixed with other conifers and (or) hardwood species. Crown-based variables outperformed basal area based variables as surrogates for one-sided competition in both diameter growth and survival probability, regardless of species composition. In contrast, two-sided competition was best represented by total basal area of competing trees. Surrogates reflecting differences in crown morphology among species relate more closely to the mechanics of competition for light and, hence, facilitate extrapolation to species combinations for which no observations are available.

Once-daily prandial lixisenatide versus once-daily rapid-acting insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus insufficiently controlled with basal insulin: analysis of data from five randomized, controlled trials.

PubMed

Raccah, Denis; Lin, Jay; Wang, Edward; Germé, Maeva; Perfetti, Riccardo; Bonadonna, Riccardo C; de Pablos-Velasco, Pedro; Roussel, Ronan; Rosenstock, Julio

2014-01-01

To compare the efficacy and safety of lixisenatide (LIXI), a once-daily prandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, as add-on to basal insulin (Basal+LIXI) versus once-daily rapid-acting insulin (Basal+RAI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Data were extracted from five randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy and safety of basal insulin+insulin glulisine (n=3) or basal insulin+LIXI (n=2). Patients in the Basal+LIXI cohort were matched to patients in the Basal+RAI cohort using propensity score matching. In the matched population, Basal+LIXI was twice as likely to reach composite outcomes of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <7% and no symptomatic hypoglycaemia compared with the Basal+RAI group (odds ratio [OR]: 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 3.55; P=0.0455), as well as HbA1c <7% and no severe hypoglycaemia (OR: 1.97; 95 CI: 1.06, 3.66; P=0.0311). Furthermore, Basal+LIXI was more than twice as likely to reach HbA1c <7%, no weight gain and no symptomatic hypoglycaemia (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.23, 5.40; P=0.0119). Both basal+LIXI and Basal+RAI improved glycaemic control in patients with T2DM with inadequate glycaemic control on basal insulin. Basal+LIXI offers an effective therapeutic option to advance basal insulin therapy, improving glucose control without weight gain and with less risk of hypoglycaemia than prandial insulin. © 2013.

A comparative study of salivary secretion by parotid and mandibular glands of anaesthetized Capra hircus: effect of pilocarpine.

PubMed

Castellano, C; Moreno, M; Raggi, L A; Martinez de Victoria, E; Mataix, F J

1986-01-01

A study was made of basal secretion and the effect of the infusion of pilocarpine on the flow and composition of saliva in the parotid and mandibular glands of the anaesthetized lactating goat. In the parotid gland there was a basal flow (1.6 +/- 0.29 microliter/min) which was not present in the mandibular gland. There is a statistically significant dose-effect relationship between pilocarpine and salivary flow in both glands. Salival composition and its variation with respect to the flow of saliva did not conform to either of the two glands to an exclusive monogastric or ruminant model.

Alterations in soil microbial community composition and biomass following agricultural land use change.

PubMed

Zhang, Qian; Wu, Junjun; Yang, Fan; Lei, Yao; Zhang, Quanfa; Cheng, Xiaoli

2016-11-04

The effect of agricultural land use change on soil microbial community composition and biomass remains a widely debated topic. Here, we investigated soil microbial community composition and biomass [e.g., bacteria (B), fungi (F), Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Actinomycete (ACT)] using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) analysis, and basal microbial respiration in afforested, cropland and adjacent uncultivated soils in central China. We also investigated soil organic carbon and nitrogen (SOC and SON), labile carbon and nitrogen (LC and LN), recalcitrant carbon and nitrogen (RC and RN), pH, moisture, and temperature. Afforestation averaged higher microbial PLFA biomass compared with cropland and uncultivated soils with higher values in top soils than deep soils. The microbial PLFA biomass was strongly correlated with SON and LC. Higher SOC, SON, LC, LN, moisture and lower pH in afforested soils could be explained approximately 87.3% of total variation of higher total PLFAs. Afforestation also enhanced the F: B ratios compared with cropland. The basal microbial respiration was higher while the basal microbial respiration on a per-unit-PLFA basis was lower in afforested land than adjacent cropland and uncultivated land, suggesting afforestation may increase soil C utilization efficiency and decrease respiration loss in afforested soils.

Alterations in soil microbial community composition and biomass following agricultural land use change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qian; Wu, Junjun; Yang, Fan; Lei, Yao; Zhang, Quanfa; Cheng, Xiaoli

2016-11-01

The effect of agricultural land use change on soil microbial community composition and biomass remains a widely debated topic. Here, we investigated soil microbial community composition and biomass [e.g., bacteria (B), fungi (F), Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Actinomycete (ACT)] using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) analysis, and basal microbial respiration in afforested, cropland and adjacent uncultivated soils in central China. We also investigated soil organic carbon and nitrogen (SOC and SON), labile carbon and nitrogen (LC and LN), recalcitrant carbon and nitrogen (RC and RN), pH, moisture, and temperature. Afforestation averaged higher microbial PLFA biomass compared with cropland and uncultivated soils with higher values in top soils than deep soils. The microbial PLFA biomass was strongly correlated with SON and LC. Higher SOC, SON, LC, LN, moisture and lower pH in afforested soils could be explained approximately 87.3% of total variation of higher total PLFAs. Afforestation also enhanced the F: B ratios compared with cropland. The basal microbial respiration was higher while the basal microbial respiration on a per-unit-PLFA basis was lower in afforested land than adjacent cropland and uncultivated land, suggesting afforestation may increase soil C utilization efficiency and decrease respiration loss in afforested soils.

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation improves deglutition in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Ciucci, Michelle R; Barkmeier-Kraemer, Julie M; Sherman, Scott J

2008-04-15

Relatively little is known about the role of the basal ganglia in human deglutition. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) affords us a model for examining deglutition in humans with known impairment of the basal ganglia. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of subthalamic nuclei (STN) DBS on the oral and pharyngeal stages of deglutition in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). It was hypothesized that DBS would be associated with improved deglutition. Within participant, comparisons were made between DBS in the ON and OFF conditions using the dependent variables: pharyngeal transit time, maximal hyoid bone excursion, oral total composite score, and pharyngeal total composite score. Significant improvement occurred for the pharyngeal composite score and pharyngeal transit time in the DBS ON condition compared with DBS OFF. Stimulation of the STN may excite thalamocortical or brainstem targets to sufficiently overcome the bradykinesia/hypokinesia associated with PD and return some pharyngeal stage motor patterns to performance levels approximating those of "normal" deglutition. However, the degree of hyoid bone excursion and oral stage measures did not improve, suggesting that these motor acts may be under the control of different sensorimotor pathways within the basal ganglia. 2007 Movement Disorder Society

Cost-effectiveness of once daily GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide compared to bolus insulin both in combination with basal insulin for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes in Norway.

PubMed

Huetson, Pernilla; Palmer, James L; Levorsen, Andrée; Fournier, Marie; Germe, Maeva; McLeod, Euan

2015-01-01

Lixisenatide is a potent, selective and short-acting once daily prandial glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist which lowers glycohemoglobin and body weight by clinically significant amounts in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin, with limited risk of hypoglycemia. To assess the cost-effectiveness of lixisenatide versus bolus insulin, both in combination with basal insulin, in patients with type 2 diabetes in Norway. The IMS CORE Diabetes Model, a non-product-specific and validated simulation model, was used to make clinical and cost projections. Transition probabilities, risk adjustments and the progression of complication risk factors were derived from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study, supplemented with Norwegian data. Patients were assumed to receive combination treatment with basal insulin, lixisenatide or bolus insulin therapy for 3 years, followed by intensification of a basal-bolus insulin regimen for their remaining lifetime. Simulated healthcare costs, taken from the public payer perspective, were derived from microcosting and diagnosis related groups, discounted at 4% per annum and reported in Norwegian krone (NOK). Productivity costs were also captured based on extractions from the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration. Health state utilities were derived from a systematic literature review. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed. Lixisenatide in combination with basal insulin was associated with increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and reduced lifetime healthcare costs compared to bolus insulin in combination with basal insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes, and can be considered dominant. The net monetary benefit of lixisenatide versus bolus insulin was NOK 39,369 per patient. Results were sensitive to discounting, the application of excess body weight associated disutility and uncertainty surrounding the changes in HbA1c. Lixisenatide may be considered an economically efficient therapy in combination with basal insulin in the Norwegian setting, due to cost savings, weight loss and associated gains in health-related quality of life.

Enhanced voluntary wheel running in GPRC6A receptor knockout mice.

PubMed

Clemmensen, Christoffer; Pehmøller, Christian; Klein, Anders B; Ratner, Cecilia; Wojtaszewski, Jørgen F P; Bräuner-Osborne, Hans

2013-06-13

GPRC6A is an amino acid-sensing receptor highly expressed in the brain and in skeletal muscle. Although recent evidence suggests that genetically engineered GPRC6A receptor knockout (KO) mice are susceptible to develop subtle endocrine and metabolic disturbances, the underlying disruptions in energy metabolism are largely unexplored. Based on GPRC6A's expression pattern and ligand preferences, we hypothesize that the receptor may impact energy metabolism via regulating physical activity levels. Thus, in the present study, we exposed GPRC6A receptor KO mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates to voluntary wheel running and forced treadmill exercise. Moreover, we assessed energy expenditure in the basal state, and evaluated the effects of wheel running on food intake, body composition, and a range of exercise-induced central and peripheral biomarkers. We found that adaptation to voluntary wheel running is affected by GPRC6A, as ablation of the receptor significantly enhances wheel running in KO relative to WT mice. Both genotypes responded to voluntary exercise by increasing food intake and improving body composition to a similar degree. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the GPRC6A receptor is involved in regulating exercise behaviour. Future studies are highly warranted to delineate the underlying molecular details and to assess if these findings hold any translational value. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exploring the effects of inclusion of dietary fresh Azolla on the performance of White Pekin broiler ducks

PubMed Central

Acharya, Parag; Mohanty, G. P.; Pradhan, C. R.; Mishra, S. K.; Beura, N. C.; Moharana, B.

2015-01-01

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the dietary advantages of inclusion of unconventional nutrient source, i.e., Azolla in the basal diet of White Pekin broilers. Materials and Methods: All ducklings were randomly distributed into three treatment groups with three replicates each and each replicate having 12 ducklings and were reared in deep litter system. Groups were subjected to three dietary treatments such as G1: Basal diet, G2: Basal diet + 5% fresh Azolla of basal diet, G3: Basal diet + 10% fresh Azolla of basal diet. During experimental period, parameters, such as bodyweight, bodyweight gain, feed consumption,feed conversion ratio(FCR), and economic of production,wererecorded. Results: The result showed that body weights in every week, except the 5th week, did not differ significantly between groups. However, no significant difference was observed between the groups in any week in terms of absolute body weight gain and feed consumption. As regard to FCR, the 10% Azolla group (G3) showed the best feed efficiency followed by the 5% Azolla group (G2) and the control group (G1). On the basis of profit/bird or profit/kg live weight, each of the Azolla-fed group showed a higher economic efficiency than the control. Conclusion: From the experiment, it was concluded that Azollaat 5 or 10% level can be included in the diet to economize the White Pekin broiler farming, and it can be great impetus to poultry farming to include unconventional nutrient source as a dietary supplement. PMID:27047032

Changes in Body Composition in Anorexia Nervosa: Predictors of Recovery and Treatment Outcome

PubMed Central

Arcelus, Jon; Sánchez, Isabel; Riesco, Nadine; Jiménez-Murcia, Susana; González-Gómez, Jana; Granero, Roser; Custal, Nuria; Montserrat-Gil de Bernabé, Monica; Tárrega, Salomé; Baños, Rosa M.; Botella, Cristina; de la Torre, Rafael; Fernández-García, José C.; Fernández-Real, José M.; Frühbeck, Gema; Gómez-Ambrosi, Javier; Tinahones, Francisco J.; Crujeiras, Ana B.; Casanueva, Felipe F.; Menchón, José M.; Fernández-Aranda, Fernando

2015-01-01

The restoration of body composition (BC) parameters is considered to be one of the most important goals in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, little is known about differences between AN diagnostic subtypes [restricting (AN-R) and binge/purging (AN-BP)] and weekly changes in BC during refeeding treatment. Therefore, the main objectives of our study were twofold: 1) to assess the changes in BC throughout nutritional treatment in an AN sample and 2) to analyze predictors of BC changes during treatment, as well as predictors of treatment outcome. The whole sample comprised 261 participants [118 adult females with AN (70 AN-R vs. 48 AN-BP), and 143 healthy controls]. BC was measured weekly during 15 weeks of day-hospital treatment using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Assessment measures also included the Eating Disorders Inventory-2, as well as a number of other clinical indices. Overall, the results showed that AN-R and AN-BP patients statistically differed in all BC measures at admission. However, no significant time×group interaction was found for almost all BC parameters. Significant time×group interactions were only found for basal metabolic rate (p = .041) and body mass index (BMI) (p = .035). Multiple regression models showed that the best predictors of pre-post changes in BC parameters (namely fat-free mass, muscular mass, total body water and BMI) were the baseline values of BC parameters. Stepwise predictive logistic regressions showed that only BMI and age were significantly associated with outcome, but not with the percentage of body fat. In conclusion, these data suggest that although AN patients tended to restore all BC parameters during nutritional treatment, only AN-BP patients obtained the same fat mass values as healthy controls. Put succinctly, the best predictors of changes in BC were baseline BC values, which did not, however, seem to influence treatment outcome. PMID:26600309

Changes in Body Composition in Anorexia Nervosa: Predictors of Recovery and Treatment Outcome.

PubMed

Agüera, Zaida; Romero, Xandra; Arcelus, Jon; Sánchez, Isabel; Riesco, Nadine; Jiménez-Murcia, Susana; González-Gómez, Jana; Granero, Roser; Custal, Nuria; Montserrat-Gil de Bernabé, Monica; Tárrega, Salomé; Baños, Rosa M; Botella, Cristina; de la Torre, Rafael; Fernández-García, José C; Fernández-Real, José M; Frühbeck, Gema; Gómez-Ambrosi, Javier; Tinahones, Francisco J; Crujeiras, Ana B; Casanueva, Felipe F; Menchón, José M; Fernández-Aranda, Fernando

2015-01-01

The restoration of body composition (BC) parameters is considered to be one of the most important goals in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, little is known about differences between AN diagnostic subtypes [restricting (AN-R) and binge/purging (AN-BP)] and weekly changes in BC during refeeding treatment. Therefore, the main objectives of our study were twofold: 1) to assess the changes in BC throughout nutritional treatment in an AN sample and 2) to analyze predictors of BC changes during treatment, as well as predictors of treatment outcome. The whole sample comprised 261 participants [118 adult females with AN (70 AN-R vs. 48 AN-BP), and 143 healthy controls]. BC was measured weekly during 15 weeks of day-hospital treatment using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Assessment measures also included the Eating Disorders Inventory-2, as well as a number of other clinical indices. Overall, the results showed that AN-R and AN-BP patients statistically differed in all BC measures at admission. However, no significant time×group interaction was found for almost all BC parameters. Significant time×group interactions were only found for basal metabolic rate (p = .041) and body mass index (BMI) (p = .035). Multiple regression models showed that the best predictors of pre-post changes in BC parameters (namely fat-free mass, muscular mass, total body water and BMI) were the baseline values of BC parameters. Stepwise predictive logistic regressions showed that only BMI and age were significantly associated with outcome, but not with the percentage of body fat. In conclusion, these data suggest that although AN patients tended to restore all BC parameters during nutritional treatment, only AN-BP patients obtained the same fat mass values as healthy controls. Put succinctly, the best predictors of changes in BC were baseline BC values, which did not, however, seem to influence treatment outcome.

The coactivator PGC-1α regulates skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism independently of the nuclear receptor PPARβ/δ in sedentary mice fed a regular chow diet.

PubMed

Pérez-Schindler, Joaquín; Svensson, Kristoffer; Vargas-Fernández, Elyzabeth; Santos, Gesa; Wahli, Walter; Handschin, Christoph

2014-11-01

Physical activity improves oxidative capacity and exerts therapeutic beneficial effects, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and the nuclear receptor PPARβ/δ have both been independently discovered to play a pivotal role in the regulation of oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle, though their interdependence remains unclear. Hence, our aim was to determine the functional interaction between these two factors in mouse skeletal muscle in vivo. Adult male control mice, PGC-1α muscle-specific transgenic (mTg) mice, PPARβ/δ muscle-specific knockout (mKO) mice and the combination PPARβ/δ mKO + PGC-1α mTg mice were studied under basal conditions and following PPARβ/δ agonist administration and acute exercise. Whole-body metabolism was assessed by indirect calorimetry and blood analysis, while magnetic resonance was used to measure body composition. Quantitative PCR and western blot were used to determine gene expression and intracellular signalling. The proportion of oxidative muscle fibre was determined by NADH staining. Agonist-induced PPARβ/δ activation was only disrupted by PPARβ/δ knockout. We also found that the disruption of the PGC-1α-PPARβ/δ axis did not affect whole-body metabolism under basal conditions. As expected, PGC-1α mTg mice exhibited higher exercise performance, peak oxygen consumption and lower blood lactate levels following exercise, though PPARβ/δ mKO + PGC-1α mTg mice showed a similar phenotype. Similarly, we found that PPARβ/δ was dispensable for PGC-1α-mediated enhancement of an oxidative phenotype in skeletal muscle. Collectively, these results indicate that PPARβ/δ is not an essential partner of PGC-1α in the control of skeletal muscle energy metabolism.

The coactivator PGC-1α regulates mouse skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism independently of the nuclear receptor PPARβ/δ in sedentary mice fed a regular chow diet

PubMed Central

Pérez-Schindler, Joaquín; Svensson, Kristoffer; Vargas-Fernández, Elyzabeth; Santos, Gesa; Wahli, Walter; Handschin, Christoph

2015-01-01

Aims/hypothesis Physical activity improves oxidative capacity and exerts therapeutic beneficial effects, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and the nuclear receptor PPARβ/δ have both been independently discovered to play a pivotal role in the regulation of oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle, though their interdependence remain unclear. Hence, our aim was to determine the functional interaction between these two factors in mouse skeletal muscle in vivo. Methods Adult male control mice, PGC-1α muscle-specific transgenic (mTg) mice, PPARβ/δ muscle-specific knockout (mKO) mice and the combination PPARβ/δ mKO + PGC-1α mTg were studied under basal conditions and following PPARβ/δ agonist administration and acute exercise. Whole body metabolism was assessed by indirect calorimetry and blood analysis, while magnetic resonance was used to measure body composition. Quantitative PCR and western blot were used to determine gene expression and intracellular signaling. Proportion of oxidative muscle fiber was determined by NADH staining. Results Agonist-induced PPARβ/δ activation was only disrupted by PPARβ/δ knockout. We also found that the disruption of the PGC-1α-PPARβ/δ axis does not affect whole body metabolism under basal conditions. As expected, PGC-1α mTg mice exhibited higher exercise performance, peak oxygen consumption and lower blood lactate levels following exercise, though PPARβ/δ mKO+PGC-1α mTg mice showed a similar phenotype. Similarly, we found that PPARβ/δ was dispensable for PGC-1α-mediated enhancement of an oxidative phenotype in skeletal muscle. Conclusions/interpretation Collectively, these results indicate that PPARβ/δ is not an essential partner of PGC-1α in the control of skeletal muscle energy metabolism. PMID:25116175

Deletion of the Rab GAP Tbc1d1 modifies glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis in mice.

PubMed

Hargett, Stefan R; Walker, Natalie N; Hussain, Syed S; Hoehn, Kyle L; Keller, Susanna R

2015-08-01

Tbc1d1 is a Rab GTPase-activating protein (GAP) implicated in regulating intracellular retention and cell surface localization of the glucose transporter GLUT4 and thus glucose uptake in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Tbc1d1 is most abundant in skeletal muscle but is expressed at varying levels among different skeletal muscles. Previous studies with male Tbc1d1-deficient (Tbc1d1(-/-)) mice on standard and high-fat diets established a role for Tbc1d1 in glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis. Here we describe similar, but also additional abnormalities in male and female Tbc1d1(-/-) mice. We corroborate that Tbc1d1 loss leads to skeletal muscle-specific and skeletal muscle type-dependent abnormalities in GLUT4 expression and glucose uptake in female and male mice. Using subcellular fractionation, we show that Tbc1d1 controls basal intracellular GLUT4 retention in large skeletal muscles. However, cell surface labeling of extensor digitorum longus muscle indicates that Tbc1d1 does not regulate basal GLUT4 cell surface exposure as previously suggested. Consistent with earlier observations, female and male Tbc1d1(-/-) mice demonstrate increased energy expenditure and skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation. Interestingly, we observe sex-dependent differences in in vivo phenotypes. Female, but not male, Tbc1d1(-/-) mice have decreased body weight and impaired glucose and insulin tolerance, but only male Tbc1d1(-/-) mice show increased lipid clearance after oil gavage. We surmise that similar changes at the tissue level cause differences in whole-body metabolism between male and female Tbc1d1(-/-) mice and between male Tbc1d1(-/-) mice in different studies due to variations in body composition and nutrient handling. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Real-time mapping of the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus by in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guthoff, Rudolf F.; Zhivov, Andrey; Stachs, Oliver

2010-02-01

The aim of the study was to produce two-dimensional reconstruction maps of the living corneal sub-basal nerve plexus by in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy in real time. CLSM source data (frame rate 30Hz, 384x384 pixel) were used to create large-scale maps of the scanned area by selecting the Automatic Real Time (ART) composite mode. The mapping algorithm is based on an affine transformation. Microscopy of the sub-basal nerve plexus was performed on normal and LASIK eyes as well as on rabbit eyes. Real-time mapping of the sub-basal nerve plexus was performed in large-scale up to a size of 3.2mm x 3.2mm. The developed method enables a real-time in vivo mapping of the sub-basal nerve plexus which is stringently necessary for statistically firmed conclusions about morphometric plexus alterations.

The sympathetic nervous system is controlled by transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the regulation of body temperature.

PubMed

Alawi, Khadija M; Aubdool, Aisah A; Liang, Lihuan; Wilde, Elena; Vepa, Abhinav; Psefteli, Maria-Paraskevi; Brain, Susan D; Keeble, Julie E

2015-10-01

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is involved in sensory nerve nociceptive signaling. Recently, it has been discovered that TRPV1 receptors also regulate basal body temperature in multiple species from mice to humans. In the present study, we investigated whether TRPV1 modulates basal sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. C57BL6/J wild-type (WT) mice and TRPV1 knockout (KO) mice were implanted with radiotelemetry probes for measurement of core body temperature. AMG9810 (50 mg/kg) or vehicle (2% DMSO/5% Tween 80/10 ml/kg saline) was injected intraperitoneally. Adrenoceptor antagonists or vehicle (5 ml/kg saline) was injected subcutaneously. In WT mice, the TRPV1 antagonist, AMG9810, caused significant hyperthermia, associated with increased noradrenaline concentrations in brown adipose tissue. The hyperthermia was significantly attenuated by the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol, the mixed α-/β-adrenoceptor antagonist labetalol, and the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin. TRPV1 KO mice have a normal basal body temperature, indicative of developmental compensation. d-Amphetamine (potent sympathomimetic) caused hyperthermia in WT mice, which was reduced in TRPV1 KO mice, suggesting a decreased sympathetic drive in KOs. This study provides new evidence that TRPV1 controls thermoregulation upstream of the SNS, providing a potential therapeutic target for sympathetic hyperactivity thermoregulatory disorders. © FASEB.

Basal body temperature method for detecting ovarian cycle in the Captive Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas).

PubMed

Katsumata, Etsuko; Furuta, Chie; Katsumata, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Gen; Taya, Kazuyoshi

2006-02-01

The relationship between basal body temperature and circulating progesterone levels were investigated in a female beluga. Body temperature and serum concentrations of progesterone were measured daily and at 2-4 week intervals respectively, in a female beluga that was in captivity for 7 years between 1996 and 2003. The beluga first ovulated in April, 2000 (13 years old). Thereafter, serum concentrations of progesterone showed cyclic changes, indicating that the ovulatory cycle had started. Serum concentrations of progesterone ranged from 0.1 ng/ml to 15.7 ng/ml. Body temperature also showed cyclic changes during the estrous cycle. Body temperature ranged from 34.9 to 35.9 C, and tended to reach the peak during the high progesterone phase. Mating behavior was observed during the low body temperature phase. The changes in body temperature positively correlated with the circulating progesterone levels. The length of the estrous cycle was 36.7 +/- 3.9 (mean +/- SEM) days based on the intervals between the days of mating behavior. This is the first report demonstrating that body temperature clearly changes during the estrous cycle in a captive female beluga. The present finding suggests that measurement of body temperature is a useful method for detecting the ovarian cycle of the beluga in captivity.

Plasticity in body composition in breeding birds: what drives the metabolic costs of egg production?

PubMed

Vézina, François; Williams, Tony D

2003-01-01

Body composition in vertebrates is known to show phenotypic plasticity, and changes in organ masses are usually rapid and reversible. One of the most rapid and reversible changes is the transformation of the female avian reproductive organs before breeding. This provides an excellent system to investigate the effects of plasticity in organ size on basal metabolic rate (BMR) through relationships between organ masses and BMR. We compared body composition of female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) during various reproductive stages over 3 yr and investigated the pattern of changes in reproductive and nonreproductive organ mass during follicular development and ovulation. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between organ mass and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in nonbreeding, laying, and chick-rearing females. Our analysis revealed marked variation in organ masses between breeding stages but no consistent pattern among years except for kidney and pectoralis muscle. Furthermore, changes in nonreproductive organs did not parallel the cycle of growth and regression of the reproductive organs. The oviduct gained 62% of its 22-fold increase in mass in only 3 d, and oviduct regression was just as rapid and began even before the final egg of the clutch was laid, with 42% of the oviduct mass lost before laying of the final egg. In laying females, 18% of variation in mass-corrected RMR was explained by the mass of the oviduct (r2=0.18, n=80, P<0.0005), while pectoralis muscle mass in nonbreeding individuals and liver and gizzard mass in chick-rearing females were the only organs significantly related to RMR (r2=0.31-0.44). We suggest that the nonreproductive organs are affected more by changes in local ecological conditions than the reproductive state itself and that the activity and maintenance cost of the oviduct is high enough that selection has led to a very tight size-function relationship for this organ.

Effect of parathyroid hormone and insulin on extracellular cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate in patients with benign and malignant breast tumors.

PubMed

Berstein, L M; Semiglazov, V F; Vishnevski, A S; Dilman, V M

1978-01-01

Basal excretion of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and its basal level in blood plasma in breast cancer (BC) patients and those with fibroadenomatosis did not differ essentially. However, intravenous injection of parathyroid hormone (100 U) and insulin (0.08 U/kg body weight) was followed by a much less rise in urine-cAMP excretion and blood-cAMP levels in BC patients than in benign process in mammary gland. A substantial correlation between changes in plasma cAMP level and the degree of insulin-induced hypoglycemia was not observed. There was a negative correlation between reponse to parathyroid hormone and insulin and body overweight in BC patients. It was suggested that body fat content may influence the peculiarities of metabolism of extracellular cAMP in cancer patients considerably.

Energy expenditure and physical activity in Prader-Willi syndrome: comparison with obese subjects.

PubMed

Butler, Merlin G; Theodoro, Mariana F; Bittel, Douglas C; Donnelly, Joseph E

2007-03-01

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hypotonia, suck and feeding difficulties, hypogonadism, small hands and feet, developmental delay, hyperphagia and early childhood obesity and a particular facial appearance. The obesity associated with PWS is the result of a chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure (EE) due to hyperphagia, decreased physical activity, reduced metabolic rate and an inability to vomit. EE is affected by body composition as well as exercise. Individuals with PWS have a lower lean body mass (LBM) compared with controls which may contribute to reduced basal level EE. To determine the relationship among body composition, activity levels and metabolic rates, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and a whole-room respiration chamber were used to measure body composition, total EE (TEE), resting EE (REE), physical activity, and mechanical work (MW) during an 8 hr monitoring period. The chamber consisted of a live-in whole-room indirect calorimeter equipped with a force platform floor to allow simultaneous measurement of EE, physical activity, and work efficiency during spontaneous activities and standardized exercise. Participants with PWS (27 with 15q11-q13 deletion and 21 with maternal disomy 15 with an average age of 23 years) had significantly decreased TEE by 20% and reduced LBM compared to 24 obese subjects. Similarly, REE was significantly reduced by 16% in the individuals with PWS relative to the comparison subjects. Total MW performed during the 8 hr monitoring period was significantly reduced by 35% in the PWS group. The energy cost of physical activity is related to the duration, intensity and type of activity and the metabolic efficiency of the individual. After adjusting group differences in LBM by analysis of variance, TEE and REE were no longer different between the two groups. Our data indicate that there is a significant reduction of EE in individuals with PWS resulting from reduced activity but also from lower energy utilization due to reduced LBM which consists primarily of muscle. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Multiciliated cell basal bodies align in stereotypical patterns coordinated by the apical cytoskeleton

PubMed Central

Herawati, Elisa; Kanoh, Hatsuho

2016-01-01

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) promote fluid flow through coordinated ciliary beating, which requires properly organized basal bodies (BBs). Airway MCCs have large numbers of BBs, which are uniformly oriented and, as we show here, align linearly. The mechanism for BB alignment is unexplored. To study this mechanism, we developed a long-term and high-resolution live-imaging system and used it to observe green fluorescent protein–centrin2–labeled BBs in cultured mouse tracheal MCCs. During MCC differentiation, the BB array adopted four stereotypical patterns, from a clustering “floret” pattern to the linear “alignment.” This alignment process was correlated with BB orientations, revealed by double immunostaining for BBs and their asymmetrically associated basal feet (BF). The BB alignment was disrupted by disturbing apical microtubules with nocodazole and by a BF-depleting Odf2 mutation. We constructed a theoretical model, which indicated that the apical cytoskeleton, acting like a viscoelastic fluid, provides a self-organizing mechanism in tracheal MCCs to align BBs linearly for mucociliary transport. PMID:27573463

Coordinated Beating of Algal Flagella is Mediated by Basal Coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Kirsty; Goldstein, Raymond

Cilia or flagella often exhibit synchronized behavior. This includes phase-locking, as seen in Chlamydomonas, and metachronal wave formation in the respiratory cilia of higher organisms. Since the observations by Gray and Rothschild of phase synchrony of nearby swimming spermatozoa, it has been a working hypothesis that synchrony arises from hydrodynamic interactions between beating filaments. Recent work on the dynamics of physically separated pairs of flagella isolated from the multicellular alga Volvox has shown that hydrodynamic coupling alone is sufficient for synchrony. However, the situation is more complex when considering multiple flagella on a single cell. We suggest that a mechanism, internal to the cell, provides an additional flagellar coupling. For instance, flagella of Chlamydomonas mutants deficient in filamentary connections between basal bodies are found to display markedly different synchronization from the wildtype. Diverse flagellar coordination strategies found in quadri-, octo- and hexadecaflagellates reveal further evidence that intracellular couplings between flagellar basal bodies compete with hydrodynamic interactions to determine the precise form of flagellar synchronization in unicellular algae.

Mantle Wedge formation during Subduction Initiation: evidence from the refertilized base of the Oman ophiolitic mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prigent, C.; Guillot, S.; Agard, P.; Godard, M.; Lemarchand, D.; Ulrich, M.

2015-12-01

Although the Oman ophiolite is classically regarded as being the direct analog of oceanic lithosphere created at fast spreading ridges, the geodynamic context of its formation is still highly debated. The other alternative end-member model suggests that this ophiolite entirely formed in a supra-subduction zone setting. The latter one is supported by studies on volcanic sequences whereas studies dealing on the mantle section do not involve a significant influence of subduction processes on its structure and composition. We herein focus on basal peridotites from all along the ophiolite strike in order to decipher and characterize potential fluid/melt transfers relate to subduction processes. Samples were taken across the basal banded unit directly overlying the amphibolitic/granulitic metamorphic sole which represents an accreted part of the lower plate. We carried out a petrological, structural and geochemical study on these rocks and their constitutive minerals. Our results show that basal peridotites range from lherzolites to highly depleted harzburgites in composition. Clinopyroxenes (cpx) display melt impregnation textures and co-crystallized with HT/HP amphiboles (amph), spinels and sulfurs. Major and trace elements of the constitutive minerals indicate that these minerals represent trapped incremental partial melt after hydrous melting. Different cpx-bearing lithologies then result from varying degrees of partial melting and melt extraction. Combined with Boron isotopic data, we demonstrate that fluids responsible for hydrous melting of these ophiolitic basal peridotites are subduction-related, most likely derived from dehydration of the metamorphic sole during its formation in subduction initiation. From these observations and thermal constraints, we interpret the occurrence of these basal lherzolites as representing a freezing front developed by thermal re-equilibration (cooling) during subduction processes: subduction-related hydrous partial melts were extracted at different degrees until getting ultimately trapped, and crystallized cpx, amph and other associated minerals. If our interpretation is correct, the base of the Oman ophiolite could provide the best proxy for the composition of a frozen-in, incipiently forming mantle wedge.

The sympathetic nervous system is controlled by transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the regulation of body temperature

PubMed Central

Alawi, Khadija M.; Aubdool, Aisah A.; Liang, Lihuan; Wilde, Elena; Vepa, Abhinav; Psefteli, Maria-Paraskevi; Brain, Susan D.; Keeble, Julie E.

2015-01-01

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is involved in sensory nerve nociceptive signaling. Recently, it has been discovered that TRPV1 receptors also regulate basal body temperature in multiple species from mice to humans. In the present study, we investigated whether TRPV1 modulates basal sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. C57BL6/J wild-type (WT) mice and TRPV1 knockout (KO) mice were implanted with radiotelemetry probes for measurement of core body temperature. AMG9810 (50 mg/kg) or vehicle (2% DMSO/5% Tween 80/10 ml/kg saline) was injected intraperitoneally. Adrenoceptor antagonists or vehicle (5 ml/kg saline) was injected subcutaneously. In WT mice, the TRPV1 antagonist, AMG9810, caused significant hyperthermia, associated with increased noradrenaline concentrations in brown adipose tissue. The hyperthermia was significantly attenuated by the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol, the mixed α-/β-adrenoceptor antagonist labetalol, and the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin. TRPV1 KO mice have a normal basal body temperature, indicative of developmental compensation. d-Amphetamine (potent sympathomimetic) caused hyperthermia in WT mice, which was reduced in TRPV1 KO mice, suggesting a decreased sympathetic drive in KOs. This study provides new evidence that TRPV1 controls thermoregulation upstream of the SNS, providing a potential therapeutic target for sympathetic hyperactivity thermoregulatory disorders.—Alawi, K. M., Aubdool, A. A., Liang, L., Wilde, E., Vepa, A., Psefteli, M.-P., Brain, S. D., Keeble, J. E. The sympathetic nervous system is controlled by transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the regulation of body temperature. PMID:26136480

Mammalian basal metabolic rate is proportional to body mass2/3

PubMed Central

White, Craig R.; Seymour, Roger S.

2003-01-01

The relationship between mammalian basal metabolic rate (BMR, ml of O2 per h) and body mass (M, g) has been the subject of regular investigation for over a century. Typically, the relationship is expressed as an allometric equation of the form BMR = aMb. The scaling exponent (b) is a point of contention throughout this body of literature, within which arguments for and against geometric (b = 2/3) and quarter-power (b = 3/4) scaling are made and rebutted. Recently, interest in the topic has been revived by published explanations for quarter-power scaling based on fractal nutrient supply networks and four-dimensional biology. Here, a new analysis of the allometry of mammalian BMR that accounts for variation associated with body temperature, digestive state, and phylogeny finds no support for a metabolic scaling exponent of 3/4. Data encompassing five orders of magnitude variation in M and featuring 619 species from 19 mammalian orders show that BMR ∝ M2/3. PMID:12637681

Eggshell and Histology Provide Insight on the Life History of a Pterosaur with Two Functional Ovaries.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaolin; Kellner, Alexander W A; Cheng, Xin; Jiang, Shunxing; Wang, Qiang; Sayão, Juliana M; Rodrigues, Taissa; Costa, Fabiana R; Li, Ning; Meng, X I; Zhou, Zhonghe

2015-09-01

The counterpart of a previously described non-pterodactyloid pterosaur with an egg revealed the presence of a second egg inside the body cavity of this gravid female. It clearly shows that pterosaurs had two functional oviducts and demonstrates that the reduction of one oviduct was not a prerequisite for developing powered flight, at least in this group. Compositional analysis of one egg suggests the lack of a hard external layer of calcium carbonate. Histological sections of one femur lack medullary bone and further demonstrate that this pterosaur reached reproductive maturity before skeletal maturity. This study shows that pterosaurs laid eggs even smaller than previously thought and had a reproductive strategy more similar to basal reptiles than to birds. Whether pterosaurs were highly precocial or needed parental care is still open to debate.

Utility of S100B Serum Level for the Determination of Concussion in Male Rugby Players.

PubMed

Bouvier, Damien; Duret, Thomas; Abbot, Mathieu; Stiernon, Thibault; Pereira, Bruno; Coste, Aurélien; Chazal, Jean; Sapin, Vincent

2017-04-01

The incidence of concussion in professional direct-contact sports, particularly in rugby, has increased in recent years. To date, cognitive assessment is the most common means of determining whether a concussed player can return to the game. Serum S100B assay, an objective blood test known to be useful in brain injury management, may offer a novel additional approach to the management of concussed male rugby players. The aim of this study was to investigate the S100B utility for the determination of concussion in a professional 15-players-a-side rugby team. Thirty-nine male rugby players were included in a prospective study during the 2014-2015 French championship season. Serum sampling was carried out several times at baseline and after a match and/or a concussion, at set times (2, 36 h). Serum S100B concentrations were determined using chemiluminescence immunoassay on a Roche Diagnostics ® instrument. The players' basal serum S100B was stable during the season and was not correlated with anthropometric data, body composition, or creatine kinase concentration. A significant increase in S100B concentration within 2 h after a game (without concussion) was observed. This increase was correlated with the number of body collisions during a match. Seventy-seven assays were performed 36 h after a game, including the follow-up of five concussed players. Thirty-six hours after a match, an increase of a minimum of 20 % compared with individual basal concentrations identified concussion with 100 % sensitivity and 81 % specificity. S100B measured 36 h after a match is thus a discriminating test to identify concussion in a male rugby player, with a 100 % negative predictive value.

Association between basal metabolic function and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Ogata, Makiko; Ide, Risa; Takizawa, Miho; Tanaka, Mizuho; Tetsuo, Tamaki; Sato, Asako; Iwasaki, Naoko; Uchigata, Yasuko

2015-01-01

Diabetes is a risk factor for osteoporosis, and glycemic control is critical during osteoporosis treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, diabetic therapies have potentially adverse effects on bone metabolism. Additionally, biomarkers for bone metabolism are directly affected by drug therapies for osteoporosis. This study examined resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) as indices of bone metabolism in postmenopausal Japanese women with T2D. Forty-six postmenopausal Japanese women with T2D were examined. Procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP, a fasting serum bone formation marker) and carboxy-terminal collagen cross-links-1 (CTX-1, a resorption marker) were evaluated, along with intact parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), urine microalbumin, motor nerve conduction velocity, sensory nerve conduction velocity, R-R interval, body composition, REE, RQ, and bone mineral density at the nondominant distal radius. The mean T-score was low with high variance (-1.7 ± 1.6), and 18 patients (39%) met the criteria for osteoporosis. REE was positively correlated with body mass index (β = 0.517; r(2) = 0.250), serum calcium (β = 0.624; r(2) = 0.200), glycated hemoglobin A1C for the previous 6 mo (β = 0.395; r(2) = 0.137), and the serum P1NP/CTX-1 ratio (β = 0.380; r(2) = 0.144). RQ was positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D (β = 0.387; r(2) = 0.131). The basal metabolic rate and diabetic pathophysiology are interrelated with bone turnover. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Super-Resolution Imaging Reveals TCTN2 Depletion-Induced IFT88 Lumen Leakage and Ciliary Weakening.

PubMed

Weng, Rueyhung Roc; Yang, T Tony; Huang, Chia-En; Chang, Chih-Wei; Wang, Won-Jing; Liao, Jung-Chi

2018-06-01

The primary cilium is an essential organelle mediating key signaling activities, such as sonic hedgehog signaling. The molecular composition of the ciliary compartment is distinct from that of the cytosol, with the transition zone (TZ) gated the ciliary base. The TZ is a packed and organized protein complex containing multiple ciliopathy-associated protein species. Tectonic 2 (TCTN2) is one of the TZ proteins in the vicinity of the ciliary membrane, and its mutation is associated with Meckel syndrome. Despite its importance in ciliopathies, the role of TCTN2 in ciliary structure and molecules remains unclear. Here, we created a CRISPR/Cas9 TCTN2 knockout human retinal pigment epithelial cell line and conducted quantitative analysis of geometric localization using both wide-field and super-resolution microscopy techniques. We found that TCTN2 depletion resulted in partial TZ damage, loss of ciliary membrane proteins, leakage of intraflagellar transport protein IFT88 toward the basal body lumen, and cilium shortening and curving. The basal body lumen occupancy of IFT88 was also observed in si-RPGRIP1L cells and cytochalasin-D-treated wild-type cells, suggesting varying lumen accessibility for intraflagellar transport proteins under different perturbed conditions. Our findings support two possible models for the lumen leakage of IFT88, i.e., a tip leakage model and a misregulation model. Together, our quantitative image analysis augmented by super-resolution microscopy facilitates the observation of structural destruction and molecular redistribution in TCTN2 -/- cilia, shedding light on mechanistic understanding of TZ-protein-associated ciliopathies. Copyright © 2018 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scaling of basal metabolic rate with body mass and temperature in mammals.

PubMed

Clarke, Andrew; Rothery, Peter; Isaac, Nick J B

2010-05-01

1. We present a statistical analysis of the scaling of resting (basal) metabolic rate, BMR, with body mass, B(m) and body temperature, T(b), in mammals. 2. Whilst the majority of the variance in ln BMR is explained by ln B(m), the T(b) term is statistically significant. The best fit model was quadratic, indicating that the scaling of ln BMR with ln B(m) varies with body size; the value of any scaling exponent estimated for a sample of mammals will therefore depend on the size distribution of species in the study. This effect can account for much of the variation in scaling exponents reported in the literature for mammals. 3. In all models, inclusion of T(b) reduced the strength of scaling with ln B(m). The model including T(b) suggests that birds and mammals have a similar underlying thermal dependence of BMR, equivalent to a Q(10) of 2.9 across the range of T(b) values 32-42 degrees C. 4. There was significant heterogeneity in both the mass scaling exponent and mean BMR across mammalian orders, with a tendency for orders dominated by larger taxa to have steeper scaling exponents. This heterogeneity was particularly marked across orders with smaller mean B(m) and the taxonomic composition of the sample will thus also affect the observed scaling exponent. After correcting for the effects of ln B(m) and T(b), Soricomorpha, Didelphimorphia and Artiodactyla had the highest BMR of those orders represented by more than 10 species in the data set. 5. Inclusion of T(b) in the model removed the effect of diet category evident from a model in ln B(m) alone and widely reported in the literature; this was caused by a strong interaction between diet category and T(b) in mammals. 6. Inclusion of mean ambient temperature, T(a), in the model indicated a significant inverse relationship between ln BMR and T(a), complicated by an interaction between T(a) and T(b). All other things being equal, a polar mammal living at -10 degrees C has a body temperature approximately 2.7 degrees C warmer and a BMR higher by approximately 40% than a tropical mammal of similar size living at 25 degrees C.

The relation between gastric acid secretion and body habitus, blood groups, smoking, and the subsequent development of dyspepsia and duodenal ulcer

PubMed Central

Novis, B. H.; Marks, I. N.; Bank, S.; Sloan, A. W.

1973-01-01

One hundred and seventy-six students free of gastrointestinal disease were studied to establish normal acid secretion values for healthy male and female students by the augmented histamine test and to re-examine the relationship between gastric acid secretion and ABO blood groups, body weight, fat-free body mass, height, degree of ectomorphy and mesomorphy, the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and serum cholesterol. A prospective study was then carried out on gastric acid secretion and the subsequent development after 10 years of duodenal ulcers or dyspepsia. Young, healthy medical students have a fairly high mean basal and maximal acid output. There was very little difference in the mean acid outputs of the various ABO blood groups. A significant correlation was shown between acid output and body weight and fat-free body mass, but not with the other measurements of body build. Basal acid output was also related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Three students who subsequently developed duodenal ulcers all had a preexistent high level of acid secretion. The acid output was, however, similar in the groups who developed significant or minor dyspepsia or who remained asymptomatic. PMID:4696532

Some endocrinological aspects of barbiturate dependence.

PubMed

Norton, P R

1971-02-01

1. Hypophysectomized rats become dependent on barbitone and show the same withdrawal syndrome as intact animals.2. Barbitone dependent rats have larger thyroid and adrenal glands, a larger liver, smaller gonads and larger secondary sex organs than untreated animals. The levator ani muscle of the males is smaller.3. In contrast, dependent female hypophysectomized rats only showed a decreased gonad weight and increased liver weight.4. Histologically, the thyroid gland of dependent rats appears more active, but the concentration of iodine bound to plasma protein, basal metabolic rate and body temperature are similar in dependent and untreated animals.5. Resting plasma corticosterone concentration appears to be unchanged in barbitone dependent animals, but stress induced increases in the concentration of corticosterone in plasma are less in dependent animals.6. Immature barbitone dependent rats grow at a faster rate than untreated animals, but hypophysectomized rats of similar age receiving barbitone do not.7. The additional body weight gained by barbitone dependent animals is of normal body composition.8. Administration of growth hormone has an identical growth inducing effect in dependent hypophysectomized animals and in untreated hypophysectomized animals.9. Barbitone dependent rats do not exhibit the ;frustration effect' in a double runway. In barbitone dependent rats approach to a potentially ;frustrating' situation is slower than in untreated animals.

A new species of Ninia (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from Chocó-Magdalena biogeographical province, western Colombia.

PubMed

Angarita-Sierra, Teddy

2017-03-22

We describe a new species of the genus Ninia from the Chocó-Magdalena biogeographic province, which was previously reported as a distinct population of N. maculata or as N. atrata from the western slopes of the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia. The new species is similar to N. atrata, N. celata, N. espinali, N. franciscoi, and N. maculata. It shares the following characteristics with the species mentioned above: 19 dorsal scale rows without reductions; dorsal ground color black or dark brown; white or cream occipital nuchal collar. However, it is easily distinguished from all other congeners because it has a non-regular color pattern in the ventral surfaces of the head and body, subcaudal surface homogeneously black or dark brown, two nasal scales, and one lateral projection ornamented with a large basal hook-shaped spine that is larger than any other spine on the hemipenial body. The presence of a lateral projection on the hemipenial body makes the new species the only member of the genus from South America that shares this feature with its Central American congeners. This feature suggests a closer relationship with this linage. Finally, our results indicate that proper and careful revision of the Ninia atrata species complex will help to understand and clarify the taxonomic composition of the genus.

Survey of Basal Stem Rot Disease on Oil Palms (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Kebun Bukit Kijang,North Sumatera, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisnawita; Hanum, H.; Tantawi, A. R.

2016-08-01

Basal stem rot disease caused by Ganoderma sp. is a significant disease on oil palm plantations in Indonesia, especially in North Sumatera. Currently, the pathogen does not only attack the plants that have produced (old plants) but also attacks the plants that have not produced in the first generation yet. A survey of the distribution of the basal stem rot disease in the plantation of the community has been completed in order to illustrate the distribution and the incidence of the basal stem rot disease in 5 locations of the oil palm plantation of the community in Desa Bukit Kijang, Region of Asahan, North Sumatera, Indonesia. From the research, it is revealed that the basal stem rot disease has spread to all of the observed locations with the level of disease incidence between 0.71% in Kebun Bukit Kijang 3 to 50% in the 17 years old oil palm in Kebun Bukit Kijang 4 and Bukit Kijang 5. The observable symptoms of the basal stem rot disease are chlorotic leaves, the appearance of fruiting body, collapsed plants, and the existence of holes on the basal stem. The incidence of basal stem rot disease is higher on land due to a high sand content (>50%).

Identification and analysis of low-molecular-weight dissolved organic carbon in subglacial basal ice ecosystems by ion chromatography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Donnell, Emily C.; Wadham, Jemma L.; Lis, Grzegorz P.; Tranter, Martyn; Pickard, Amy E.; Stibal, Marek; Dewsbury, Paul; Fitzsimons, Sean

2016-07-01

Determining the concentration and composition of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in glacial ecosystems is important for assessments of in situ microbial activity and contributions to wider biogeochemical cycles. Nonetheless, there is limited knowledge of the abundance and character of DOC in basal ice and the subglacial environment and a lack of quantitative data on low-molecular-weight (LMW) DOC components, which are believed to be highly bioavailable to microorganisms. We investigated the abundance and composition of DOC in basal ice via a molecular-level DOC analysis. Spectrofluorometry and a novel ion chromatographic method, which has been little utilized in glacial science for LMW-DOC determinations, were employed to identify and quantify the major LMW fractions (free amino acids, carbohydrates, and carboxylic acids) in basal ice from four glaciers, each with a different type of overridden material (i.e. the pre-entrainment sedimentary type such as lacustrine material or palaeosols). Basal ice from Joyce Glacier (Antarctica) was unique in that 98 % of the LMW-DOC was derived from the extremely diverse free amino acid (FAA) pool, comprising 14 FAAs. LMW-DOC concentrations in basal ice were dependent on the bioavailability of the overridden organic carbon (OC), which in turn was influenced by the type of overridden material. Mean LMW-DOC concentrations in basal ice from Russell Glacier (Greenland), Finsterwalderbreen (Svalbard), and Engabreen (Norway) were low (0-417 nM C), attributed to the relatively refractory nature of the OC in the overridden palaeosols and bedrock. In contrast, mean LMW-DOC concentrations were an order of magnitude higher (4430 nM C) in basal ice from Joyce Glacier, a reflection of the high bioavailability of the overridden lacustrine material (> 17 % of the sediment OC comprised extractable carbohydrates, a proxy for bioavailable OC). We find that the overridden material may act as a direct (via abiotic leaching) and indirect (via microbial cycling) source of DOC to the subglacial environment and provides a range of LMW-DOC compounds that may stimulate microbial activity in wet subglacial sediments.

Nanosilver effects on growth parameters in experimental aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens.

PubMed

Gholami-Ahangaran, Majid; Zia-Jahromi, Noosha

2013-03-01

Aflatoxicosis is a cause of economic losses in broiler production. In this study, the effect of one commercial nanocompound, Nanocid (Nano Nasb Pars Co., Iran) was evaluated in reduction of aflatoxin effects on the growth and performance indices in broiler chickens suffering from experimental aflatoxicosis. For this, a total of 300 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross strain) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates of 15 chicks in each separated pen during the 28-day experiment. Treatment groups including group A: chickens fed basal diet, group B: chickens fed 3 ppm productive aflatoxin in basal diet, group C: chickens fed basal diet plus 2500 ppm Nanocid, and group D: chickens fed 3 ppm productive aflatoxin and 2500 ppm Nanocid, in basal diet. Data on body weight, body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at weekly intervals. Also cumulative data were assessed. Results showed, although supplement of Nanocid to conventional diet had no effect on performance but addition of Nanocid to diet containing 3 ppm aflatoxin increased significantly the cumulative BWG, cumulative feed consumption and decreased FCR in the last 2 weeks of experimental period. The improvement in these performance indices by supplement of Nanocid to diet containing aflatoxin showed the ability of Nanocid to diminish the inhibitory effects of aflatoxin.

Feed intake and production parameters of lactating crossbred cows fed maize-based diets of stover, silage or quality protein silage.

PubMed

Gebrehawariat, Efrem; Tamir, Berhan; Tegegne, Azage

2010-12-01

Thirty-six Boran × Friesian dairy cows (392 ± 12 kg; mean ± SD) in early parity were used in a randomised complete block design. Cows were blocked by parity into three blocks of 12 animals and offered normal maize (NM) stover (T1), NM silage (T2) or quality protein maize (QPM) silage (T3) basal diets supplemented with a similar concentrate mix. Feed intake, body weight and condition changes and milk yield and composition were assessed. The daily intake of DM, OM, NDF and ADF for cows fed the NM stover-based diet was higher (P<0.05) than for the cows fed the NM silage and QPM silage-based diets. However, the daily intake of DOM (9.3 kg) and ME (140.8 MJ) for cows on QPM silage-based diet was higher (P<0.05) than for cows on NM stover-based diet (8.4 kg and 124.2 MJ) and NM silage-based diet (7.9 kg and 119.1 MJ). Body weight of cows was affected (P<0.05) by the diet, but diet had no effect (P>0.05) on body condition score, milk yield and milk composition. The digestible organic matter in the NM stover-based diet (724 g/kg DM) was lower (P<0.05) than that in the NM (770 g/kg DM) and QPM silage-based diet (762 g/kg DM). It was concluded that the performances of the cows on the NM silage and QPM silage diets were similar and were not superior to that of the NM stover-based diet.

Gender differences in GH response to GHRH+ARG in lipodystrophic patients with HIV: a key role for body fat distribution.

PubMed

Brigante, Giulia; Diazzi, Chiara; Ansaloni, Anna; Zirilli, Lucia; Orlando, Gabriella; Guaraldi, Giovanni; Rochira, Vincenzo

2014-05-01

Gender influence on GH secretion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is poorly known. To determine the effect of gender, we compared GH response to GH-releasing hormone plus arginine (GHRH+Arg), and body composition in 103 men and 97 women with HIV and lipodystrophy. The main outcomes were IGF1, basal GH, GH peak and area under the curve (AUC) after GHRH+Arg, body composition, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Men had lower GH peak and AUC than women (P<0.001). Of the study population, 21% of women and 37% of men had biochemical GH deficiency (GHD; GH peak <7.5 μg/l). VAT-to-SAT ratio was higher in men than in women with GHD (P<0.05). Unlike women, VAT, SAT, and trunk fat were greater in men with GHD than in men without GHD. IGF1 was significantly lower in women with GHD than in women without GHD, but not in men. At univariate analysis, BMI, trunk fat mass, VAT, and total adipose tissue were associated with GH peak and AUC in both sexes (P<0.05). BMI was the most significant predictive factor of GH peak, and AUC at multiregression analysis. Overall, abdominal fat had a less pronounced effect on GH in females than in males. These data demonstrate that GH response to GHRH+Arg is significantly lower in HIV-infected males than females, resulting in a higher percentage of GHD in men. Adipose tissue distribution more than fat mass per se seems to account for GH gender differences and for the alteration of GH-IGF1 status in these patients.

Feed intake and production parameters of lactating crossbred cows fed maize-based diets of stover, silage or quality protein silage

PubMed Central

Gebrehawariat, Efrem; Tegegne, Azage

2010-01-01

Thirty-six Boran × Friesian dairy cows (392 ± 12 kg; mean ± SD) in early parity were used in a randomised complete block design. Cows were blocked by parity into three blocks of 12 animals and offered normal maize (NM) stover (T1), NM silage (T2) or quality protein maize (QPM) silage (T3) basal diets supplemented with a similar concentrate mix. Feed intake, body weight and condition changes and milk yield and composition were assessed. The daily intake of DM, OM, NDF and ADF for cows fed the NM stover-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for the cows fed the NM silage and QPM silage-based diets. However, the daily intake of DOM (9.3 kg) and ME (140.8 MJ) for cows on QPM silage-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for cows on NM stover-based diet (8.4 kg and 124.2 MJ) and NM silage-based diet (7.9 kg and 119.1 MJ). Body weight of cows was affected (P < 0.05) by the diet, but diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on body condition score, milk yield and milk composition. The digestible organic matter in the NM stover-based diet (724 g/kg DM) was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the NM (770 g/kg DM) and QPM silage-based diet (762 g/kg DM). It was concluded that the performances of the cows on the NM silage and QPM silage diets were similar and were not superior to that of the NM stover-based diet. PMID:20577806

Adding prandial GLP-1 receptor agonists to basal insulin: a promising option for type 2 diabetes therapy.

PubMed

Goldenberg, Ronald M; Berard, Lori

2018-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is a serious and increasingly prevalent condition in Canada and around the world. Treatment strategies have become increasingly complex, with a widening array of pharmacological agents available for glycemic management in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). New therapies that act in concert with available basal insulins may represent alternatives to basal insulin intensification with prandial or pre-mixed insulin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have recently shown promise as useful additions to basal insulin, with significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin and potentially beneficial effects on body weight. This review will focus on pivotal clinical trials to assess the potential benefits of adding prandial GLP-1 RAs to basal insulin in patients with T2DM. Clinical studies combining prandial GLP-1 RAs and basal insulin (published between 2011 and July 2017) were identified and reviewed in PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (Issue 6, June 2017), and clinicaltrials.gov. Most of the studies presented in this review show that the addition of a prandial GLP-1 RA to basal insulin results in equal or slightly superior efficacy compared to the addition of prandial insulin, together with weight loss and less hypoglycemia. The results of the studies suggest that a prandial GLP-1 RA as an add-on to basal insulin may be a safe and effective treatment intensification option (vs basal-plus or basal-bolus insulin).

Basal metabolic rate in free-living tropical birds: the influence of phylogenetic, behavioral, and ecological factors

PubMed Central

Tolstenkov, Oleg; Zubkova, Ekaterina; Solovyeva, Eugenia; Kerimov, Anvar

2018-01-01

Abstract The majority of our knowledge of avian energetics is based on studies of birds from temperate and high latitudes. Using the largest existing sample of wild-caught Old World tropical species, we showed that birds from Southern Vietnam had lower basal metabolic rate (BMR) than temperate species. The strongest dissimilarity between tropical and temperate species was the low scaling exponent in the allometric relation between BMR and body mass in tropical birds (the regression slope was 0.573). The passerine migrants to temperate and high latitudes had higher BMR than tropical sedentary passerines. Body mass alone accounted for 93% of the variation in BMR (body mass ranged from 5 to 252 g). Contrary to some other studies, we did not find evidence besides the above mentioned that phylogeny, taxonomy, behavior, or ecology have a significant influence on BMR variation among tropical birds. PMID:29492036

Identification of BCAP, a new protein associated with basal bodies and centrioles.

PubMed

Ponsard, Cecile; Seltzer, Virginie; Perret, Eric; Tournier, Frederic; Middendorp, Sandrine

2007-05-01

Cilia exert critical functions in numerous organisms, including that of cell motility, fluid transport and protozoan locomotion. Defects in this organelle can lead to lethal pathologies in humans, including primary ciliary dyskinesia. An understanding of the cilia formation process would lead to better characterization of defects involved in such pathologies. In the present study, we identified a gene encoding a novel human protein, BCAP for Basal body Centriole-Associated Protein, which shares homologies with a previously described protein, Outer Dense Fiber 2 (ODF2). ODF2, a major component of the sperm tail cytoskeleton, is required for the formation of mother centriole distal/subdistal appendages and the generation of primary cilia. Here, we show that the bcap gene contains 18 alternatively spliced exons and encodes five different isoforms, three long and two short ones. BCAP is preferentially expressed in cilia/flagella containing tissues. Moreover, its expression is correlated with cilia formation during mucociliary differentiation of human nasal epithelial cells. Using immunofluorescence analyses, BCAP was localized within basal bodies of ciliated cells and within centrioles of proliferating cells. In light of the several spliced isoforms of BCAP and the particular localization of the protein, BCAP isoforms could play distinct roles in cilia and in centrosomes.

Height and Body Size in Childhood, Adolescence and Young Adulthood and Breast Cancer Risk According to Molecular Subtype in the Nurses’ Health Studies

PubMed Central

Warner, Erica T.; Hu, Rong; Collins, Laura C.; Beck, Andrew H.; Schnitt, Stuart; Rosner, Bernard; Eliassen, A. Heather; Michels, Karin B.; Willett, Walter C.; Tamimi, Rulla M.

2016-01-01

Height and body size in childhood and young adulthood have been consistently associated with breast cancer risk; whether associations differ across molecular subtypes is unclear. In a pooled analysis of the Nurses’ Health Studies we prospectively examined the association of four exposures: height, body mass index (BMI) at age 18, childhood and adolescent somatotypes, with breast cancer risk according to molecular subtypes defined by immunohistochemical markers. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).We identified 2983 luminal A, 1281 luminal B, 318 HER2-enriched, 408 basal-like and 128 unclassified tumors. Height was positively associated with all subtypes (p-heterogeneity=0.78). BMI at age 18 (p-heterogeneity=0.001), childhood (p-heterogeneity=0.51) and adolescent somatotype (p-heterogeneity=0.046) were inversely associated, but with differences in magnitude of association. BMI at age 18 of ≥25 kg/m2 (compared to 20-21.9 kg/m2) was associated with a 52% decreased risk of HER2-enriched (HR: 0.48, 95%CI: 0.26-0.91; p-trend <0.0001) and 39% reduced risk of basal-like tumors (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.36-1.02; p-trend=0.008). Compared to the lowest category, women in the highest adolescent body size category were 71% less likely to develop HER2-enriched (HR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.10-0.85; p-trend=0.0005) and 60% less likely to develop basal-like (HR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17-0.95; p-trend=0.0008). Height was positively associated with risk of all breast cancer molecular subtypes. BMI at age 18 and childhood and adolescent were inversely associated with risk of most breast cancer molecular subtypes with somewhat stronger associations with HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes. PMID:27590596

Basal body temperature as a biomarker of healthy aging.

PubMed

Simonsick, Eleanor M; Meier, Helen C S; Shaffer, Nancy Chiles; Studenski, Stephanie A; Ferrucci, Luigi

2016-12-01

Scattered evidence indicates that a lower basal body temperature may be associated with prolonged health span, yet few studies have directly evaluated this relationship. We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between early morning oral temperature (95.0-98.6 °F) and usual gait speed, endurance walk performance, fatigability, and grip strength in 762 non-frail men (52 %) and women aged 65-89 years participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Since excessive adiposity (body mass index ≥35 kg/m 2 or waist-to-height ratio ≥0.62) may alter temperature set point, associations were also examined within adiposity strata. Overall, controlling for age, race, sex, height, exercise, and adiposity, lower temperature was associated with faster gait speed, less time to walk 400 m quickly, and lower perceived exertion following 5-min of walking at 0.67 m/s (all p ≤ 0.02). In the non-adipose (N = 662), these associations were more robust (all p ≤ 0.006). Direction of association was reversed in the adipose (N = 100), but none attained significance (all p > 0.22). Over 2.2 years, basal temperature was not associated with functional change in the overall population or non-adipose. Among the adipose, lower baseline temperature was associated with greater decline in endurance walking performance (p = 0.006). In longitudinal analyses predicting future functional performance, low temperature in the non-adipose was associated with faster gait speed (p = 0.021) and less time to walk 400 m quickly (p = 0.003), whereas in the adipose, lower temperature was associated with slower gait speed (p = 0.05) and more time to walk 400 m (p = 0.008). In older adults, lower basal body temperature appears to be associated with healthy aging in the absence of excessive adiposity.

Assessment of urban tree growth from structure, nutrients and composition data derived from airborne lidar and imaging spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, H.; Townsend, P. A.; Singh, A.

2014-12-01

Urban forests provide important ecosystem services related to climate, nutrients, runoff and aesthetics. Assessment of variations in urban forest growth is critical to urban management and planning, as well as to identify responses to climate and other environmental changes. We estimated annual relative basal area increment by tree rings from 37 plots in Madison, Wisconsin and neighboring municipalities. We related relative basal area growth to variables of vegetation traits derived from remote sensing, including structure (aboveground biomass, diameter, height, basal area, crown width and crown length) from discrete-return airborne lidar, and biochemical variables (foliar nitrogen, carbon, lignin, cellulose, fiber and LMA), spectral indices (NDVI, NDWI, PRI, NDII etc.) and species composition from AVIRIS hyperspectral imagery. Variations in tree growth was mainly correlated with tree species composition (R2 = 0.29, RMSE = 0.004) with coniferous stands having a faster growth rate than broadleaf plots. Inclusion of stand basal area improved model prediction from R2 = 0.29 to 0.35, with RMSE = 0.003. Then, we assessed the growth by functional type, we found that foliar lignin concentration and the proportion of live coniferous trees explained 57% variance in the growth of conifer stands. In contrast, broadleaf forest growth was more strongly correlated with species composition and foliar carbon (R2 = 0.59, RMSE = 0.003). Finally, we compared the relative basal area growth by species. In our study area, red pine and white pine exhibited higher growth rates than other species, while white oak plots grew slowest. There is a significant negative relationship between tree height and the relative growth in red pine stands (r = -0.95), as well as a strong negative relationship between crown width and the relative growth in white pine stands (r = -0.87). Growth declines as trees grow taller and wider may partly be the result of reduced photosynthesis and water availability. We also found that canopy cellulose content was negatively correlated with growth in white oak (r = -0.59), which could be caused by trade off of carbon allocation from shoot storage to leaves. These results demonstrate the potential of lidar and hyperspectral imagery to characterize important traits associated with biomass accumulation in urban forests.

Whole-rock and mineral compositional constraints on the magmatic evolution of the Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide ore-bearing Kevitsa intrusion, northern Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luolavirta, Kirsi; Hanski, Eero; Maier, Wolfgang; Santaguida, Frank

2018-01-01

The 2.06 Ga mafic-ultramafic Kevitsa intrusion is located in the Central Lapland greenstone belt. The lower ultramafic part of the intrusion hosts a large disseminated Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide deposit with Ni tenors ranging widely from < 4 wt% (uneconomic false ore and contact mineralization) to 4-7 wt% (regular ore) and up to 40 wt% (Ni-PGE ore). The stratigraphy of the ultramafic cumulates is divided into the basal pyroxenite-gabbro (Basal series), olivine pyroxenite (OLPX), pyroxenite, and plagioclase-bearing (ol) websterite (pOLWB), of which the latter occurs together with minor microgabbros in the ore-bearing domain of the intrusion. Around the ore domain, the ultramafic cumulate succession records a simple lithological stratigraphy and modest and predictable variations in whole-rock and mineral compositions. The ore-bearing domain, in contrast, is characterized by a complex internal architecture, variations in whole-rock and mineral compositions, and the presence of numerous inclusions and xenoliths. The OLPXs are mainly composed of cumulus olivine (Fo77-89) and clinopyroxene (Mg#81-92) with variable amounts of oikocrystic orthopyroxene (Mg#79-84). They comprise the bulk of the ultramafic cumulates and are the dominant host rocks to the sulfide ore. The host rocks to the regular and false ore type are mineralogically and compositionally similar (Fo 80-83, mostly) and show mildly LREE-enriched REE patterns (CeN/YbN 2), characteristic for the bulk of the Kevitsa ultramafic cumulates. The abundance of orthopyroxene and magnetite is lowest in the host rocks to the Ni-PGE ore type, being in line with the mineral compositions of the silicates, which are the most primitive in the intrusion. However, it contrasts with the LREE-enriched nature of the ore type (CeN/YbN 7), indicating significant involvement of crustal material in the magma. The contrasting intrusive stratigraphy in the different parts of the intrusion likely reflects different emplacement histories. It is proposed that the Kevitsa magma chamber was initially filled by stable continuous flow ("single" input) of basaltic magma followed by differentiation in an at least nearly closed system. In the following stage, new magma pulses were repeatedly emplaced into the interior of the intrusion in a dynamic (open) system forming the sulfide ore bodies. To gain the peculiar compositional and mineralogical characteristics of the Ni-PGE ore type, the related magma probably interacted with different country rocks en route to the Kevitsa magma chamber.

Chemical Compositions of Egg Yolks and Egg Quality of Laying Hens Fed Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Diets.

PubMed

Tang, Shirley Gee Hoon; Sieo, Chin Chin; Kalavathy, Ramasamy; Saad, Wan Zuhainis; Yong, Su Ting; Wong, Hee Kum; Ho, Yin Wan

2015-08-01

A 16-wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a prebiotic, isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), a probiotic, PrimaLac®, and their combination as a synbiotic on the chemical compositions of egg yolks and the egg quality of laying hens. One hundred and sixty 16-wk-old Hisex Brown pullets were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: (i) basal diet (control), (ii) basal diet + 1% IMO (PRE), (iii) basal diet + 0.1% PrimaLac® (PRO), and (iv) basal diet + 1% IMO + 0.1% PrimaLac® (SYN). PRE, PRO, or SYN supplementation not only significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the egg yolk cholesterol (24- and 28-wk-old) and total saturated fatty acids (SFA; 28-, 32-, and 36-wk-old), but also significantly (P < 0.05) increased total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA; 28-, 32-, and 36-wk-old), total omega 6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid levels in the eggs (28-wk-old). However, the total lipids, carotenoids, and tocopherols in the egg yolks were similar among all dietary treatments in the 24-, 28-, 32-, and 36-wk-old hens. Egg quality (Haugh unit, relative weights of the albumen and yolk, specific gravity, shell thickness, and yolk color) was not affected by PRE, PRO, or SYN supplementation. The results indicate that supplementations with IMO and PrimaLac® alone or in combination as a synbiotic might be useful for improving the cholesterol content and modifying the fatty acid compositions of egg yolk without affecting the quality of eggs from laying hens between 24 and 36 wk of age. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Species composition and structure of regenerated and remnant forest patches within an urban landscape

Treesearch

Wayne C. Zipperer

2002-01-01

Regenerated and remnant forest patches were inventoried in Syracuse, New York, USA to determine differences in structure, species composition, human disturbances, and landscape context. Patches had similar mean stem diameter, total stem density, and total basal areas, but differed with respect to diameter distribution, disturbance regime, landscape context, and...

Vegetation composition and structure in two hemlock stands threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid

Treesearch

John J. Battles; Natalie Cleavitt; Timothy J. Fahey; Richard A. Evans

2000-01-01

We quantified the vegetation composition and structure of two hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) ravines in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). Hemlock accounted for more than 50% of the canopy basal area (ravine mean = 52.3 m² ha-1) and...

Centrioles in flies: the exception to the rule?

PubMed

Gogendeau, Delphine; Basto, Renata

2010-04-01

Centrioles and basal bodies are MT based structures that present a highly conserved ninefold symmetry. Centrioles can be found at the core of the centrosome where they participate in PCM recruitment and organization, contributing to cytoplasmic MT nucleation. Basal bodies are normally located closely to the plasma membrane where they are responsible for axoneme assembly to form structures such as cilia or flagella. While it is well accepted that these organelles have important roles in cell and tissue organization, their contribution to certain phases of animal development is still not entirely established. Here we review the role of centrosomes and cilia in Drosophila melanogaster and briefly discuss the implications of these findings to other model organisms. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano Boron Nitride Reinforced Magnesium Composites Produced by the Microwave Sintering Method

PubMed Central

Seetharaman, Sankaranarayanan; Subramanian, Jayalakshmi; Tun, Khin Sandar; Hamouda, Abdelmagid S.; Gupta, Manoj

2013-01-01

In this study, magnesium composites with nano-size boron nitride (BN) particulates of varying contents were synthesized using the powder metallurgy (PM) technique incorporating microwave-assisted two-directional sintering followed by hot extrusion. The effect of nano-BN addition on the microstructural and the mechanical behavior of the developed Mg/BN composites were studied in comparison with pure Mg using the structure-property correlation. Microstructural characterization revealed uniform distribution of nano-BN particulates and marginal grain refinement. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) value of the magnesium matrix was improved with the addition of nano-sized BN particulates. The results of XRD studies indicate basal texture weakening with an increase in nano-BN addition. The composites showed improved mechanical properties measured under micro-indentation, tension and compression loading. While the tensile yield strength improvement was marginal, a significant increase in compressive yield strength was observed. This resulted in the reduction of tension-compression yield asymmetry and can be attributed to the weakening of the strong basal texture. PMID:28809252

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wood, C.A.

Statistical relations have been determined between geometry, volume, slope, and age for 26 circum-Pacific composite (strato) volcanoes. General trends in eruption characteristics, repose periods, flow lengths and petrology are also documented. Few examples of the earliest stages of composite volcano activity are known, perhaps because these small volcanoes are indistinguishable from cinder cones. If cinder cones evolve into composite volcanoes a fundamental change in morphometry, eruption style, and petrology occurs at a basal diameter of 2 km.

Basal ganglia dysfunction

MedlinePlus

... disease Metabolic problems Multiple sclerosis (MS) Poisoning with copper, manganese, or other heavy metals Stroke Tumors A ... the brain) Wilson disease (disorder causing too much copper in the body's tissues)

Ancient and methane-derived carbon subsidizes contemporary food webs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delvecchia, Amanda G.; Stanford, Jack A.; Xu, Xiaomei

2016-11-01

While most global productivity is driven by modern photosynthesis, river ecosystems are supplied by locally fixed and imported carbon that spans a range of ages. Alluvial aquifers of gravel-bedded river floodplains present a conundrum: despite no possibility for photosynthesis in groundwater and extreme paucity of labile organic carbon, they support diverse and abundant large-bodied consumers (stoneflies, Insecta: Plecoptera). Here we show that up to a majority of the biomass carbon composition of these top consumers in four floodplain aquifers of Montana and Washington is methane-derived. The methane carbon ranges in age from modern to up to >50,000 years old and is mostly derived from biogenic sources, although a thermogenic contribution could not be excluded. We document one of the most expansive ecosystems to contain site-wide macroinvertebrate biomass comprised of methane-derived carbon and thereby advance contemporary understanding of basal resources supporting riverine productivity.

Origin and diagenesis of K/T impact spherules - from Haiti to Wyoming and beyond

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bohor, B.F.; Glass, B.P.

1995-01-01

Impact spherules in Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary clays and claystones consist of two types; each type is confined to its own separate layer of the boundary couplet in the Western Hemisphere. The form and composition of each of the spherule types result from its own unique mode of origin during the K/T event. Type 1 splash-form spherules occur only in the melt-ejecta (basal) layer of the K/T couplet. This layer was deposited from a ballistic ejecta curtain composed of melt-glass droplets transported mostly within the atmosphere. In contrast, Type 2 spherules are accreted, partially crystalline, spheroidal bodies that formed by condensation of vaporized bolide and target-rock materials in an expanding fireball cloud, from which they settled out of buoyant suspension to form the fireball layer. Dendritic and skeletal Ni-rich spinel crystals are unique to these Type 2 spherules in the fireball layer. -from Authors

IFT trains in different stages of assembly queue at the ciliary base for consecutive release into the cilium

PubMed Central

Wingfield, Jenna L; Mengoni, Ilaria; Bomberger, Heather; Jiang, Yu-Yang; Walsh, Jonathon D; Brown, Jason M; Picariello, Tyler; Cochran, Deborah A; Zhu, Bing; Pan, Junmin; Eggenschwiler, Jonathan; Gaertig, Jacek; Witman, George B; Kner, Peter; Lechtreck, Karl

2017-01-01

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) trains, multimegadalton assemblies of IFT proteins and motors, traffic proteins in cilia. To study how trains assemble, we employed fluorescence protein-tagged IFT proteins in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. IFT-A and motor proteins are recruited from the cell body to the basal body pool, assembled into trains, move through the cilium, and disperse back into the cell body. In contrast to this ‘open’ system, IFT-B proteins from retrograde trains reenter the pool and a portion is reused directly in anterograde trains indicating a ‘semi-open’ system. Similar IFT systems were also observed in Tetrahymena thermophila and IMCD3 cells. FRAP analysis indicated that IFT proteins and motors of a given train are sequentially recruited to the basal bodies. IFT dynein and tubulin cargoes are loaded briefly before the trains depart. We conclude that the pool contains IFT trains in multiple stages of assembly queuing for successive release into the cilium upon completion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.26609.001 PMID:28562242

Predicting basal metabolic rates in Malaysian adult elite athletes.

PubMed

Wong, Jyh Eiin; Poh, Bee Koon; Nik Shanita, Safii; Izham, Mohd Mohamad; Chan, Kai Quin; Tai, Meng De; Ng, Wei Wei; Ismail, Mohd Noor

2012-11-01

This study aimed to measure the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of elite athletes and develop a gender specific predictive equation to estimate their energy requirements. 92 men and 33 women (aged 18-31 years) from 15 sports, who had been training six hours daily for at least one year, were included in the study. Body composition was measured using the bioimpedance technique, and BMR by indirect calorimetry. The differences between measured and estimated BMR using various predictive equations were calculated. The novel equation derived from stepwise multiple regression was evaluated using Bland and Altman analysis. The predictive equations of Cunningham and the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University either over- or underestimated the measured BMR by up to ± 6%, while the equations of Ismail et al, developed from the local non-athletic population, underestimated the measured BMR by 14%. The novel predictive equation for the BMR of athletes was BMR (kcal/day) = 669 + 13 (weight in kg) + 192 (gender: 1 for men and 0 for women) (R2 0.548; standard error of estimates 163 kcal). Predicted BMRs of elite athletes by this equation were within 1.2% ± 9.5% of the measured BMR values. The novel predictive equation presented in this study can be used to calculate BMR for adult Malaysian elite athletes. Further studies may be required to validate its predictive capabilities for other sports, nationalities and age groups.

Energy requirements, protein-energy metabolism and balance, and carbohydrates in preterm infants.

PubMed

Hay, William W; Brown, Laura D; Denne, Scott C

2014-01-01

Energy is necessary for all vital functions of the body at molecular, cellular, organ, and systemic levels. Preterm infants have minimum energy requirements for basal metabolism and growth, but also have requirements for unique physiology and metabolism that influence energy expenditure. These include body size, postnatal age, physical activity, dietary intake, environmental temperatures, energy losses in the stool and urine, and clinical conditions and diseases, as well as changes in body composition. Both energy and protein are necessary to produce normal rates of growth. Carbohydrates (primarily glucose) are principle sources of energy for the brain and heart until lipid oxidation develops over several days to weeks after birth. A higher protein/energy ratio is necessary in most preterm infants to approximate normal intrauterine growth rates. Lean tissue is predominantly produced during early gestation, which continues through to term. During later gestation, fat accretion in adipose tissue adds increasingly large caloric requirements to the lean tissue growth. Once protein intake is sufficient to promote net lean body accretion, additional energy primarily produces more body fat, which increases almost linearly at energy intakes >80-90 kcal/kg/day in normal, healthy preterm infants. Rapid gains in adiposity have the potential to produce later life obesity, an increasingly recognized risk of excessive energy intake. In addition to fundamental requirements for glucose, protein, and fat, a variety of non-glucose carbohydrates found in human milk may have important roles in promoting growth and development, as well as production of a gut microbiome that could protect against necrotizing enterocolitis. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Top 10 Research Questions Related to Body Composition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Going, Scott; Lee, Vinson; Blew, Rob; Laddu, Deepika; Hetherington-Rauth, Megan

2014-01-01

An understanding of body composition is crucial to understanding human health, disease, and function. Research in body composition has focused on the development of assessment methods, description of normal changes in body composition with growth and development and aging, and the changes that occur in body composition in response to challenges…

Variants in the human intestinal fatty acid binding protein 2 gene in obese subjects.

PubMed

Sipiläinen, R; Uusitupa, M; Heikkinen, S; Rissanen, A; Laakso, M

1997-08-01

Fatty acid binding protein 2 gene (FABP2) has been proposed to be an important candidate gene for insulin resistance; therefore, it also could be a promising candidate gene for obesity. We screened the whole coding region of the FABP2 gene in 40 obese nondiabetic Finnish subjects. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the codon 54 polymorphism of this gene (Ala-->Thr) on insulin levels and basal metabolic rate in 170 obese subjects. The frequencies of the variants found in exon 4 (GTA-->GTG) and 3'-noncoding region (GCGCA-->GCACA), as well as the allele frequencies for the variable lengths of the ATT repeat sequence in intron 2 did not differ between the obese subjects and nonobese controls. The frequency of threonine-encoding allele in codon 54 of the FABP2 gene did not differ between obese and control subjects (28 vs. 29%, respectively). In the obese group there were no differences in gender distribution, age, weight, body mass index, lean body mass, percentage of body fat, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio among the individuals homozygous for Ala54, heterozygous for Thr54, and homozygous for Thr54-encoding alleles. Similarly, fasting serum insulin, glucose, lipids and lipoprotein concentrations, basal metabolic rate (adjusted for lean body mass and age), respiratory quotient, and rates of glucose and lipid oxidation did not differ among the groups. We conclude that obesity is not associated with specific variants in the FABP2 gene. Furthermore, the codon 54 Ala to Thr polymorphism of this gene does not influence insulin levels or basal metabolic rate in obese Finns.

An Interesting Case of Basal Cell Carcinoma with Raynaud's Phenomenon Following Chronic Arsenic Exposure.

PubMed

Gulshan, S; Rahman, M J; Sarkar, R; Ghosh, S; Hazra, R

2016-01-01

Arsenic is commonly known to be associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Among the lesser known associations is basal cell carcinoma and even rarer is its effect on blood vessels causing peripheral vascular disease. Here we present a case of a 55 yr old man with ulceroproliferative lesions on scalp and forehead along with several hyperpigmented patches on trunk and extremities. He had symptoms suggestive of Raynaud's phenomenon that eventually led to digital gangrene. FNAC was done which was suggestive of basal cell carcinoma. On further enquiry, he was found to reside in an arsenic endemic zone and was investigated for blood arsenic level which was elevated. Punch biopsy from different lesions from body confirmed nodular basal cell carcinoma. Presently the patient has stopped drinking water from the local tubewell. On follow-up he shows improvement of Raynaud's phenomenon and skin lesions.

Effect of Chicken Bone Meal as Phosphorus Supplement on Blood Metabolites in Fattening Lambs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pujiastuti, A.; Muktiani, A.

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chicken bone meal (CBM) as phosphorus supplementon blood metabolites in fattening lambs. The experiment used 16 of 12 months old local male lambs with initial body weight 27.01 ± 1.51 kg. The experiment used a complete randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments were T0 (basal ration = native grass + soybean curd waste), T1 (basal ration + 0.49% P Dicalcium phosphate), T2 (basal ration + 0.70% P CBM), T3 (basal ration + 1.39 % P CBM). The results indicated that CBM as phosphorus supplement was significantly different (P<0,05) on P intake, phosphorus and glucose serum and did not different significantly on dry matter intake and alkaline phosphatase activity. In conclusion, CBM is one of requirement organic phosphorus supplement which can be applied on ruminants.

Bug22p, a Conserved Centrosomal/Ciliary Protein Also Present in Higher Plants, Is Required for an Effective Ciliary Stroke in Paramecium ▿ †

PubMed Central

Laligné, C.; Klotz, C.; Garreau de Loubresse, N.; Lemullois, M.; Hori, M.; Laurent, F. X.; Papon, J. F.; Louis, B.; Cohen, J.; Koll, F.

2010-01-01

Centrioles, cilia, and flagella are ancestral conserved organelles of eukaryotic cells. Among the proteins identified in the proteomics of ciliary proteins in Paramecium, we focus here on a protein, Bug22p, previously detected by cilia and basal-body high-throughput studies but never analyzed per se. Remarkably, this protein is also present in plants, which lack centrioles and cilia. Bug22p sequence alignments revealed consensus positions that distinguish species with centrioles/cilia from plants. In Paramecium, antibody and green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion labeling localized Bug22p in basal bodies and cilia, and electron microscopy immunolabeling refined the localization to the terminal plate of the basal bodies, the transition zone, and spots along the axoneme, preferentially between the membrane and the microtubules. RNA interference (RNAi) depletion of Bug22p provoked a strong decrease in swimming speed, followed by cell death after a few days. High-speed video microscopy and morphological analysis of Bug22p-depleted cells showed that the protein plays an important role in the efficiency of ciliary movement by participating in the stroke shape and rigidity of cilia. The defects in cell swimming and growth provoked by RNAi can be complemented by expression of human Bug22p. This is the first reported case of complementation by a human gene in a ciliate. PMID:20118210

Bug22p, a conserved centrosomal/ciliary protein also present in higher plants, is required for an effective ciliary stroke in Paramecium.

PubMed

Laligné, C; Klotz, C; de Loubresse, N Garreau; Lemullois, M; Hori, M; Laurent, F X; Papon, J F; Louis, B; Cohen, J; Koll, F

2010-04-01

Centrioles, cilia, and flagella are ancestral conserved organelles of eukaryotic cells. Among the proteins identified in the proteomics of ciliary proteins in Paramecium, we focus here on a protein, Bug22p, previously detected by cilia and basal-body high-throughput studies but never analyzed per se. Remarkably, this protein is also present in plants, which lack centrioles and cilia. Bug22p sequence alignments revealed consensus positions that distinguish species with centrioles/cilia from plants. In Paramecium, antibody and green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion labeling localized Bug22p in basal bodies and cilia, and electron microscopy immunolabeling refined the localization to the terminal plate of the basal bodies, the transition zone, and spots along the axoneme, preferentially between the membrane and the microtubules. RNA interference (RNAi) depletion of Bug22p provoked a strong decrease in swimming speed, followed by cell death after a few days. High-speed video microscopy and morphological analysis of Bug22p-depleted cells showed that the protein plays an important role in the efficiency of ciliary movement by participating in the stroke shape and rigidity of cilia. The defects in cell swimming and growth provoked by RNAi can be complemented by expression of human Bug22p. This is the first reported case of complementation by a human gene in a ciliate.

Influence of Dietary Selenium Species on Selenoamino Acid Levels in Rainbow Trout.

PubMed

Godin, Simon; Fontagné-Dicharry, Stéphanie; Bueno, Maïté; Tacon, Philippe; Prabhu, Philip Antony Jesu; Kaushik, Sachi; Médale, Françoise; Bouyssiere, Brice

2015-07-22

Two forms of selenium (Se) supplementation of fish feeds were compared in two different basal diets. A 12-week feeding trial was performed with rainbow trout fry using either a plant-based or a fish meal-based diet. Se yeast and selenite were used for Se supplementation. Total Se and Se speciation were determined in both diets and whole body of trout fry using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The two selenoamino acids, selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocysteine (SeCys), were determined in whole body of fry after enzymatic digestion using protease type XIV with a prior derivatization step in the case of SeCys. The plant-based basal diet was found to have a much lower total Se than the fish meal-based basal diet with concentrations of 496 and 1222 μg(Se) kg(-1), respectively. Dietary Se yeast had a higher ability to raise whole body Se compared to selenite. SeMet concentration in the fry was increased only in the case of Se yeast supplementation, whereas SeCys levels were similar at the end of the feeding trial for both Se supplemented forms. The results show that the fate of dietary Se in fry is highly dependent on the form brought through supplementation and that a plant-based diet clearly benefits from Se supplementation.

Effects of twelve weeks of capsaicinoid supplementation on body composition, appetite and self-reported caloric intake in overweight individuals.

PubMed

Urbina, Stacie L; Roberts, Michael D; Kephart, Wesley C; Villa, Katelyn B; Santos, Emily N; Olivencia, Alyssa M; Bennett, Haley M; Lara, Marissa D; Foster, Cliffa A; Purpura, Martin; Jäger, Ralf; Taylor, Lem W; Wilborn, Colin D

2017-06-01

We examined if 12 weeks of capsaicinoid (CAP) supplementation affected appetite, body composition and metabolic health markers. Seventy seven healthy male and female volunteers (30 ± 1 y, 171.2 ± 9.8 cm, 81.0 ± 2.2 kg, 27.5 ± 0.6 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to ingest either low-dose CAP (2 mg/d; L-CAP, n = 27), high-dose CAP (4 mg/d; H-CAP, n = 22) from Capsimax or placebo (corn starch; PLA, n = 28) for 12 weeks. At baseline (0 WK), 6 weeks (6 WK) and 12 weeks (12 WK) waist: hip ratio, body composition via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA, 0 WK and 12 WK only), self-reported Calorie intakes, appetite levels via Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ) and serum metabolic health markers (0 WK and 12 WK only) were analyzed. Moreover, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered at 0 WK and 12 WK, and serum glucose and insulin responses were examined 30-120 min post test-drink consumption. Waist: hip ratio significantly decreased in L-CAP from 0 WK to 6 WK (p < 0.05), although supplementation did not significantly affect body composition. H-CAP consumed less kcal/d compared to PLA at 12 WK (difference = 257 kcal/d, p < 0.05) and L-CAP participants at 12 WK (difference = 247, p < 0.05). Twenty-three percent (9/39) of the originally-enrolled H-CAP participants reported GI distress, although no participants in the L-CAP group reported such adverse events. Interestingly, H-CAP participants presented significant increases in serum insulin as well as significant decreases in serum HDL cholesterol levels from WK0 to WK12. However, supplementation did not affect the insulin response to the administered OGTT and/or other indices of insulin sensitivity. These data suggest that H-CAP supplementation reduces self-reported energy intake after 12 weeks of supplementation, and L-CAP supplementation also reduces waist: hip ratio. Longer-term effects of capsaicinoid supplementation on basal insulin and cholesterol levels warrant further investigation. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Doubling diet fat on sugar ratio in children with mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders: Effects of a randomized trial on resting energy expenditure, diet induced thermogenesis and body composition.

PubMed

Béghin, Laurent; Coopman, Stéphanie; Schiff, Manuel; Vamecq, Joseph; Mention-Mulliez, Karine; Hankard, Régis; Cuisset, Jean-Marie; Ogier, Hélène; Gottrand, Frédéric; Dobbelaere, Dries

2016-12-01

Mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders (MODs) affect one or several complexes of respiratory chain oxidative phosphorylation. An increased fat/low-carbohydrate ratio of the diet was recommended for treating MODs without, however, evaluating its potential benefits through changes in the respective contributions of cell pathways (glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation) initiating energy production. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to compare Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) under basal diet (BD) and challenging diet (CD) in which fat on sugar content ratio was doubled. Diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) and body compositions were also compared. Energetic vs regulatory aspects of increasing fat contribution to total nutritional energy input were essentially addressed through measures primarily aiming at modifying total fat amounts and not the types of fats in designed diets. In this randomized cross-over study, BD contained 10% proteins/30% lipids/60% carbohydrates (fat on sugar ratio = 0.5) and was the imposed diet at baseline. CD contained 10% proteins/45% lipids/45% carbohydrates (fat on sugar ratio = 1). Main and second evaluation criteria measured by indirect calorimetry (QUARK RMR ® , Cosmed, Pavona; Italy) were REE and DIT, respectively. Thirty four MOD patients were included; 22 (mean age 13.2 ± 4.7 years, 50% female; BMI 16.9 ± 4.2 kg/m 2 ) were evaluated for REE, and 12 (mean age 13.8 ± 4.8 years, 60% female; BMI 17.4 ± 4.6 kg/m 2 ) also for DIT. OXPHOS complex deficiency repartition in 22 analysed patients was 55% for complex I, 9% for complex III, 27% for complex IV and 9% for other proteins. Neither carry-over nor period effects were detected (p = 0.878; ANOVA for repeated measures). REE was similar between BD vs CD (1148.8 ± 301.7 vs 1156.1 ± 278.8 kcal/day; p = 0.942) as well as DIT (peak DIT 260 vs 265 kcal/day; p = 0.842) and body composition (21.9 ± 13.0 vs 21.6 ± 13.3% of fat mass; p = 0.810). Doubling diet fat on sugar ratio does not appear to improve, per se, energetic status and body composition of patients with MODs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Variability in radar returns from Martian debris-covered glaciers attributed to surface debris layer roughness and composition: implications for the regional distribution of massive subsurface ice and near-surface pore-filling ice.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petersen, E.; Holt, J. W.; Levy, J. S.; Lalich, D.

2017-12-01

Lobate debris aprons, lineated valley fill, and concentric crater fill are a class of Martian landform thought to be glaciers blanketed by a lithic debris layer. They are found in the mid latitudes (roughly 30-50°N and S) where surface ice is presently unstable. Shallow Radar (SHARAD) sounder observations are in many cases able to resolve the basal contact between the glacier and underlying bedrock, showing that the bulk composition of these features is water ice with < 20% lithic debris; they are thus often referred to as debris-covered glaciers (DCG). The basal contact of candidate glaciers is not always present in SHARAD radargrams, and variable reflection power between glacier sites suggests that non-detections may be due to a reduction of echo power below the noise floor. A likely candidate for signal loss is the variable roughness of different glacial surface textures. We test this mechanism of signal reduction via analysis of SHARAD reflections augmented by surface roughness analyses generated from HiRISE stereo DEMs. This method provides a means of constraining the electrical properties of the surface debris. We show that measured surface roughness is sufficient to explain basal reflection signal loss for five glacier sites in the region of Deuteronilus/Protonilus Mensae (R2 = 0.90), with the dielectric constant for the surface debris layer constrained to 4.9 ± 0.3. Assuming debris formed of basalt rock, this value is consistent with a porous debris layer containing up to 64% ice, or an ice-free debris layer with porosity of 28-34%. From this work, we conclude that (1) weak or non-existent basal reflections at these sites are due to roughness-induced radar signal loss and not due to differing properties of the basal interface, (2) all DCG candidates in this study exhibit similar bulk compositions of relatively pure water ice, and (3) the surface debris layer is formed of porous lithic debris which may contain a significant fraction of pore ice.

Structure, composition, and condition of overstory trees

Treesearch

Daniel A. Yaussy; Todd F. Hutchinson; Elaine Kennedy Sutherland

2003-01-01

The structure, composition, and condition of overstory trees in the four study areas prior to prescribed fire treatments are summarized. Stand initiation dates were similar among the study areas (ca. 1885), and coincided with the decline of the charcoal iron industry in southern Ohio. Tree basal area averaged 26.8m²/ha and was not significantly different among...

Human basal body basics.

PubMed

Vertii, Anastassiia; Hung, Hui-Fang; Hehnly, Heidi; Doxsey, Stephen

2016-01-01

In human cells, the basal body (BB) core comprises a ninefold microtubule-triplet cylindrical structure. Distal and subdistal appendages are located at the distal end of BB, where they play indispensable roles in cilium formation and function. Most cells that arrest in the G0 stage of the cell cycle initiate BB docking at the plasma membrane followed by BB-mediated growth of a solitary primary cilium, a structure required for sensing the extracellular environment and cell signaling. In addition to the primary cilium, motile cilia are present in specialized cells, such as sperm and airway epithelium. Mutations that affect BB function result in cilia dysfunction. This can generate syndromic disorders, collectively called ciliopathies, for which there are no effective treatments. In this review, we focus on the features and functions of BBs and centrosomes in Homo sapiens.

Analysis and diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) via infrared imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores-Sahagun, J. H.; Vargas, J. V. C.; Mulinari-Brenner, F. A.

2011-09-01

In this work, a structured methodology is proposed and tested through infrared imaging temperature measurements of a healthy control group to establish expected normality ranges and of basal cell carcinoma patients (a type of skin cancer) previously diagnosed through biopsies of the affected regions. A method of conjugated gradients is proposed to compare measured dimensionless temperature difference values (Δ θ) between two symmetric regions of the patient's body, that takes into account the skin, the surrounding ambient and the individual core temperatures and doing so, the limitation of the results interpretation for different individuals become simple and nonsubjective. The range of normal temperatures in different regions of the body for seven healthy individuals was determined, and admitting that the human skin exhibits a unimodal normal distribution, the normal range for each region was considered to be the mean dimensionless temperature difference plus/minus twice the standard deviation of the measurements (Δθ±2σ) in order to represent 95% of the population. Eleven patients with previously diagnosed basal cell carcinoma through biopsies were examined with the method, which was capable of detecting skin abnormalities in all cases. Therefore, the conjugated gradients method was considered effective in the identification of the basal cell carcinoma through infrared imaging even with the use of a low optical resolution camera (160 × 120 pixels) and a thermal resolution of 0.1 °C. The method could also be used to scan a larger area around the lesion in order to detect the presence of other lesions still not perceptible in the clinical exam. However, it is necessary that a temperature differences mesh-like mapping of the healthy human body skin is produced, so that the comparison of the patient Δ θ could be made with the exact region of such mapping in order to possibly make a more effective diagnosis. Finally, the infrared image analyzed through the conjugated gradients method could be useful in the definition of a better safety margin in the surgery for the removal of the lesion, both minimizing esthetics damage to the patient and possibly avoiding basal cell carcinoma recurrence.

Effect of body condition on consumption of pine needles (Pinus ponderosa) by beef cows

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We determined if cattle in low (LBC) or high body condition (HBC) would consume different amounts of green pine needles (Pinus ponderosa). Cattle (mature; open Hereford and Hereford x Angus) were fed an adequate basal diet (alfalfa pellets) for Trials 1 and 2; during Trials 3 and 4 cows were fed hig...

Lower Maternal Body Condition During Pregnancy Affects Skeletal Muscle Structure and Glut-4 Protein Levels But Not Glucose Tolerance in Mature Adult Sheep

PubMed Central

Costello, Paula M.; Hollis, Lisa J.; Cripps, Roselle L.; Bearpark, Natasha; Patel, Harnish P.; Sayer, Avan Aihie; Cooper, Cyrus; Hanson, Mark A.; Ozanne, Susan E.

2013-01-01

Suboptimal maternal nutrition and body composition are implicated in metabolic disease risk in adult offspring. We hypothesized that modest disruption of glucose homeostasis previously observed in young adult sheep offspring from ewes of a lower body condition score (BCS) would deteriorate with age, due to changes in skeletal muscle structure and insulin signaling mechanisms. Ewes were fed to achieve a lower (LBCS, n = 10) or higher (HBCS, n = 14) BCS before and during pregnancy. Baseline plasma glucose, glucose tolerance and basal glucose uptake into isolated muscle strips were similar in male offspring at 210 ± 4 weeks. Vastus total myofiber density (HBCS, 343 ± 15; LBCS, 294 ± 14 fibers/mm2, P < .05) and fast myofiber density (HBCS, 226 ± 10; LBCS 194 ± 10 fibers/mm2, P < .05), capillary to myofiber ratio (HBCS, 1.5 ± 0.1; LBCS 1.2 ± 0.1 capillary:myofiber, P < .05) were lower in LBCS offspring. Vastus protein levels of Akt1 were lower (83% ± 7% of HBCS, P < .05), and total glucose transporter 4 was increased (157% ± 6% of HBCS, P < .001) in LBCS offspring, Despite the reduction in total myofiber density in LBCS offspring, glucose tolerance was normal in mature adult life. However, such adaptations may lead to complications in metabolic control in an overabundant postnatal nutrient environment. PMID:23420826

Hypothalamic amenorrhea with normal body weight: ACTH, allopregnanolone and cortisol responses to corticotropin-releasing hormone test.

PubMed

Meczekalski, B; Tonetti, A; Monteleone, P; Bernardi, F; Luisi, S; Stomati, M; Luisi, M; Petraglia, F; Genazzani, A R

2000-03-01

Hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) is a functional disorder caused by disturbances in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility. The mechanism by which stress alters GnRH release is not well known. Recently, the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and neurosteroids in the pathophysiology of HA has been considered. The aim of the present study was to explore further the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in HA. We included 8 patients (aged 23.16+/-1.72 years) suffering from hypothalamic stress-related amenorrhea with normal body weight and 8 age-matched healthy controls in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. We measured basal serum levels of FSH, LH, and estradiol and evaluated ACTH, allopregnanolone and cortisol responses to CRH test in both HA patients and healthy women. Serum basal levels of FSH, LH, and estradiol as well as basal levels of allopregnanolone were significantly lower in HA patients than in controls (P<0.001) while basal ACTH and cortisol levels were significantly higher in amenorrheic patients with respect to controls (P<0.001). The response (area under the curve) of ACTH, allopregnanolone and cortisol to CRH was significantly lower in amenorrheic women compared with controls (P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.05 respectively). In conclusion, women with HA, despite the high ACTH and cortisol levels and, therefore, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, are characterized by low allopregnanolone basal levels, deriving from an impairment of both adrenal and ovarian synthesis. The blunted ACTH, allopregnanolone and cortisol responses to CRH indicate that, in hypothalamic amenorrhea, there is a reduced sensitivity and expression of CRH receptor. These results open new perspectives on the role of neurosteroids in the pathogenesis of hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Body composition in athletes: assessment and estimated fatness.

PubMed

Malina, Robert M

2007-01-01

The study of body composition attempts to partition and quantify body weight or mass into its basic components. Body weight is a gross measure of the mass of the body, which can be studied at several levels from basic chemical elements and specific tissues to the entire body. Body composition is a factor that can influence athletic performance and as such is of considerable interest to athletes and coaches. This article provides an overview of models and methods used for studying body composition, changes in body composition during adolescence and the transition into adulthood, and applications to adolescent and young adult athletes.

Switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL: is duration of prior basal insulin therapy important?

PubMed

Bonadonna, Riccardo C; Renard, Eric; Cheng, Alice; Fritsche, Andreas; Cali, Anna; Melas-Melt, Lydie; Umpierrez, Guillermo E

2018-04-09

To assess the impact of duration of prior basal insulin therapy on study outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) or insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) for 6 months. A post hoc patient-level meta-analysis of data from the EDITION 1 and 2 studies. Outcomes included: HbA 1c , percentage of participants with ≥1 confirmed or severe hypoglycaemic event at night (00:00-05:59 h) or any time (24 h), and body weight change. Data were analysed according to duration of prior basal insulin use: >0-≤2 years, >2-≤5 years, >5 years. This meta-analysis included 1618 participants. HbA 1c change from baseline to month 6 was comparable between Gla-300 and Gla-100 groups, regardless of duration of prior basal insulin therapy. The lower risk with Gla-300 versus Gla-100 of ≥1 confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemic event, at night or any time (24 h), was unaffected by duration of prior basal insulin therapy. Similarly, weight change was unaffected by duration of prior basal insulin therapy. Switching to Gla-300 from other basal insulin therapies provided comparable glycaemic control with lower risk of hypoglycaemia versus Gla-100, regardless of duration of prior basal insulin therapy. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Parallel basal ganglia circuits for voluntary and automatic behaviour to reach rewards

PubMed Central

Hikosaka, Okihide

2015-01-01

The basal ganglia control body movements, value processing and decision-making. Many studies have shown that the inputs and outputs of each basal ganglia structure are topographically organized, which suggests that the basal ganglia consist of separate circuits that serve distinct functions. A notable example is the circuits that originate from the rostral (head) and caudal (tail) regions of the caudate nucleus, both of which target the superior colliculus. These two caudate regions encode the reward values of visual objects differently: flexible (short-term) values by the caudate head and stable (long-term) values by the caudate tail. These value signals in the caudate guide the orienting of gaze differently: voluntary saccades by the caudate head circuit and automatic saccades by the caudate tail circuit. Moreover, separate groups of dopamine neurons innervate the caudate head and tail and may selectively guide the flexible and stable learning/memory in the caudate regions. Studies focusing on manual handling of objects also suggest that rostrocaudally separated circuits in the basal ganglia control the action differently. These results suggest that the basal ganglia contain parallel circuits for two steps of goal-directed behaviour: finding valuable objects and manipulating the valuable objects. These parallel circuits may underlie voluntary behaviour and automatic skills, enabling animals (including humans) to adapt to both volatile and stable environments. This understanding of the functions and mechanisms of the basal ganglia parallel circuits may inform the differential diagnosis and treatment of basal ganglia disorders. PMID:25981958

Hippocampal Sclerosis but Not Normal Aging or Alzheimer Disease Is Associated With TDP-43 Pathology in the Basal Forebrain of Aged Persons.

PubMed

Cykowski, Matthew D; Takei, Hidehiro; Van Eldik, Linda J; Schmitt, Frederick A; Jicha, Gregory A; Powell, Suzanne Z; Nelson, Peter T

2016-05-01

Transactivating responsive sequence (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43-kDa (TDP-43) pathology has been described in various brain diseases, but the full anatomical distribution and clinical and biological implications of that pathology are incompletely characterized. Here, we describe TDP-43 neuropathology in the basal forebrain, hypothalamus, and adjacent nuclei in 98 individuals (mean age, 86 years; median final mini-mental state examination score, 27). On examination blinded to clinical and pathologic diagnoses, we identified TDP-43 pathology that most frequently involved the ventromedial basal forebrain in 19 individuals (19.4%). As expected, many of these brains had comorbid pathologies including those of Alzheimer disease (AD), Lewy body disease (LBD), and/or hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS-Aging). The basal forebrain TDP-43 pathology was strongly associated with comorbid HS-Aging (odds ratio = 6.8, p = 0.001), whereas there was no significant association between basal forebrain TDP-43 pathology and either AD or LBD neuropathology. In this sample, there were some cases with apparent preclinical TDP-43 pathology in the basal forebrain that may indicate that this is an early affected area in HS-Aging. We conclude that TDP-43 pathology in the basal forebrain is strongly associated with HS-Aging. These results raise questions about a specific pathogenetic relationship between basal forebrain TDP-43 and non-HS-Aging comorbid diseases (AD and LBD). © 2016 American Association of Neuropathologists, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hippocampal Sclerosis but Not Normal Aging or Alzheimer Disease Is Associated With TDP-43 Pathology in the Basal Forebrain of Aged Persons

PubMed Central

Takei, Hidehiro; Van Eldik, Linda J.; Schmitt, Frederick A.; Jicha, Gregory A.; Powell, Suzanne Z.; Nelson, Peter T.

2016-01-01

Transactivating responsive sequence (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43-kDa (TDP-43) pathology has been described in various brain diseases, but the full anatomical distribution and clinical and biological implications of that pathology are incompletely characterized. Here, we describe TDP-43 neuropathology in the basal forebrain, hypothalamus, and adjacent nuclei in 98 individuals (mean age, 86 years; median final mini-mental state examination score, 27). On examination blinded to clinical and pathologic diagnoses, we identified TDP-43 pathology that most frequently involved the ventromedial basal forebrain in 19 individuals (19.4%). As expected, many of these brains had comorbid pathologies including those of Alzheimer disease (AD), Lewy body disease (LBD), and/or hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS-Aging). The basal forebrain TDP-43 pathology was strongly associated with comorbid HS-Aging (odds ratio = 6.8, p = 0.001), whereas there was no significant association between basal forebrain TDP-43 pathology and either AD or LBD neuropathology. In this sample, there were some cases with apparent preclinical TDP-43 pathology in the basal forebrain that may indicate that this is an early affected area in HS-Aging. We conclude that TDP-43 pathology in the basal forebrain is strongly associated with HS-Aging. These results raise questions about a specific pathogenetic relationship between basal forebrain TDP-43 and non-HS-Aging comorbid diseases (AD and LBD). PMID:26971127

Imaging human brown adipose tissue under room temperature conditions with 11C-MRB, a selective norepinephrine transporter PET ligand

PubMed Central

Hwang, Janice J.; Yeckel, Catherine W.; Gallezot, Jean-Dominique; Aguiar, Renata Belfort-De; Ersahin, Devrim; Gao, Hong; Kapinos, Michael; Nabulsi, Nabeel; Huang, Yiyun; Cheng, David; Carson, Richard E.; Sherwin, Robert; Ding, Yu-Shin

2015-01-01

Introduction Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a critical role in adaptive thermogenesis and is tightly regulated by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). However, current BAT imaging modalities require cold stimulation and are often unreliable to detect BAT in the basal state, at room temperature (RT). We have shown previously that BAT can be detected in rodents under both RT and cold conditions with 11C-MRB ((S,S)-11C-O-methylreboxetine), a highly selective ligand for the norepinephrine transporter (NET). Here, we evaluate this novel approach for BAT detection in adult humans under RT conditions. Methods Ten healthy, Caucasian subjects (5 M: age 24.6±2.6, BMI 21.6±2.7 kg/m2; 5 F: age 25.4±2.1, BMI 22.1±1.0 kg/m2) underwent 11C-MRB PET-CT imaging for cervical/supraclavicular BAT under RT and cold-stimulated conditions (RPCM Cool vest; enthalpy 15°C) compared to 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging. Uptake of 11C-MRB, was quantified as the distribution volume ratio (DVR) using the occipital cortex as a low NET density reference region. Total body fat and lean body mass were assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results As expected, 18F-FDG uptake in BAT was difficult to identify at RT but easily detected with cold stimulation (p=0.01). In contrast, BAT 11C-MRB uptake (also normalized for muscle) was equally evident under both RT and cold conditions (BAT DVR: RT 1.0±0.3 vs. cold 1.1±0.3, p=0.31; BAT/muscle DVR: RT 2.3±0.7 vs. cold 2.5±0.5, p=0.61). Importantly, BAT DVR and BAT/muscle DVR of 11C-MRB at RT correlated positively with core body temperature (r=0.76, p=0.05 and r=0.92, p=0.004, respectively), a relationship not observed with 18F-FDG (p=0.63). Furthermore, there were gender differences in 11C-MRB uptake in response to cold (p=0.03), which reflected significant differences in the change in 11C-MRB as a function of both body composition and body temperature. Conclusions Unlike 18F-FDG, the uptake of 11C-MRB in BAT offers a unique opportunity to investigate the role of BAT in humans under basal, room temperature conditions. PMID:25798999

Imaging human brown adipose tissue under room temperature conditions with (11)C-MRB, a selective norepinephrine transporter PET ligand.

PubMed

Hwang, Janice J; Yeckel, Catherine W; Gallezot, Jean-Dominique; Aguiar, Renata Belfort-De; Ersahin, Devrim; Gao, Hong; Kapinos, Michael; Nabulsi, Nabeel; Huang, Yiyun; Cheng, David; Carson, Richard E; Sherwin, Robert; Ding, Yu-Shin

2015-06-01

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a critical role in adaptive thermogenesis and is tightly regulated by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). However, current BAT imaging modalities require cold stimulation and are often unreliable to detect BAT in the basal state, at room temperature (RT). We have shown previously that BAT can be detected in rodents under both RT and cold conditions with (11)C-MRB ((S,S)-(11)C-O-methylreboxetine), a highly selective ligand for the norepinephrine transporter (NET). Here, we evaluate this novel approach for BAT detection in adult humans under RT conditions. Ten healthy, Caucasian subjects (5 M: age 24.6±2.6, BMI 21.6±2.7kg/m(2); 5 F: age 25.4±2.1, BMI 22.1±1.0kg/m(2)) underwent (11)C-MRB PET-CT imaging for cervical/supraclavicular BAT under RT and cold-stimulated conditions (RPCM Cool vest; enthalpy 15°C) compared to (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging. Uptake of (11)C-MRB, was quantified as the distribution volume ratio (DVR) using the occipital cortex as a low NET density reference region. Total body fat and lean body mass were assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis. As expected, (18)F-FDG uptake in BAT was difficult to identify at RT but easily detected with cold stimulation (p=0.01). In contrast, BAT (11)C-MRB uptake (also normalized for muscle) was equally evident under both RT and cold conditions (BAT DVR: RT 1.0±0.3 vs. cold 1.1±0.3, p=0.31; BAT/muscle DVR: RT 2.3±0.7 vs. cold 2.5±0.5, p=0.61). Importantly, BAT DVR and BAT/muscle DVR of (11)C-MRB at RT correlated positively with core body temperature (r=0.76, p=0.05 and r=0.92, p=0.004, respectively), a relationship not observed with (18)F-FDG (p=0.63). Furthermore, there were gender differences in (11)C-MRB uptake in response to cold (p=0.03), which reflected significant differences in the change in (11)C-MRB as a function of both body composition and body temperature. Unlike (18)F-FDG, the uptake of (11)C-MRB in BAT offers a unique opportunity to investigate the role of BAT in humans under basal, room temperature conditions. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Flagellar central pair assembly in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Most motile cilia and flagella have nine outer doublet and two central pair (CP) microtubules. Outer doublet microtubules are continuous with the triplet microtubules of the basal body, are templated by the basal body microtubules, and grow by addition of new subunits to their distal (“plus”) ends. In contrast, CP microtubules are not continuous with basal body microtubules, raising the question of how these microtubules are assembled and how their polarity is established. Methods CP assembly in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was analyzed by electron microscopy and wide-field and super-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy. To analyze CP assembly independently from flagellar assembly, the CP-deficient katanin mutants pf15 or pf19 were mated to wild-type cells. HA-tagged tubulin and the CP-specific protein hydin were used as markers to analyze de novo CP assembly inside the formerly mutant flagella. Results In regenerating flagella, the CP and its projections assemble near the transition zone soon after the onset of outer doublet elongation. During de novo CP assembly in full-length flagella, the nascent CP was first apparent in a subdistal region of the flagellum. The developing CP replaces a fibrous core that fills the axonemal lumen of CP-deficient flagella. The fibrous core contains proteins normally associated with the C1 CP microtubule and proteins involved in intraflagellar transport (IFT). In flagella of the radial spoke-deficient mutant pf14, two pairs of CPs are frequently present with identical correct polarities. Conclusions The temporal separation of flagellar and CP assembly in dikaryons formed by mating CP-deficient gametes to wild-type gametes revealed that the formation of the CP does not require proximity to the basal body or transition zone, or to the flagellar tip. The observations on pf14 provide further support that the CP self-assembles without a template and eliminate the possibility that CP polarity is established by interaction with axonemal radial spokes. Polarity of the developing CP may be determined by the proximal-to-distal gradient of precursor molecules. IFT proteins accumulate in flagella of CP mutants; the abnormal distribution of IFT proteins may explain why these flagella are often shorter than normal. PMID:24283352

Effect of litter, leaf cover and cover of basal internodes of the dominant species Molinia caerulea on seedling recruitment and established vegetation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janeček, Štěpán; Lepš, Jan

2005-09-01

The effects of litter removal, leaf cover of established plants and cover of basal internodes of a dominant species Molinia caerulea on seedling germination and the dynamics of established plants were studied in a field experiment in an oligotrophic wet meadow. Although the negative influence of litter on total seedling number and seedling species composition was non-significant, litter significantly affected the dynamics of the established vegetation and caused inhibition of total leaf cover development. The effects of total leaf cover of established plants on seedling establishment changed during the vegetation season. Whereas the effect of total leaf cover was positive at the start and in the middle of the vegetation season, at the end the total leaf cover negatively affected seedling establishment. Both total leaf cover and cover of basal internodes affected seedling composition. Effects of these two variables were statistically separable suggesting that they are based on different mechanisms. The response of seedling establishment to these factors was species specific and, consequently, our data support the hypothesis that that biotically generated spatial heterogeneity can promote species co-existence through the differentiation of species regeneration niches.

Species composition, diversity and structure of novel forests of Castilla elastica in Puerto Rico

Treesearch

J. Fonseca da Silva; NO-VALUE

2014-01-01

Attributes of novel forests (secondary forests containing introduced species) were compared with those of native secondary forests of similar age. The study area was the biological reserve called El Tallonal, in Puerto Rico. Species composition, tree density, basal area and soil bulk density were characterized; Importance value index (IVI), Shannon’s diversity index (H...

Validity of body composition methods across ethnic population groups.

PubMed

Deurenberg, P; Deurenberg-Yap, M

2003-10-01

Most in vivo body composition methods rely on assumptions that may vary among different population groups as well as within the same population group. The assumptions are based on in vitro body composition (carcass) analyses. The majority of body composition studies were performed on Caucasians and much of the information on validity methods and assumptions were available only for this ethnic group. It is assumed that these assumptions are also valid for other ethnic groups. However, if apparent differences across ethnic groups in body composition 'constants' and body composition 'rules' are not taken into account, biased information on body composition will be the result. This in turn may lead to misclassification of obesity or underweight at an individual as well as a population level. There is a need for more cross-ethnic population studies on body composition. Those studies should be carried out carefully, with adequate methodology and standardization for the obtained information to be valuable.

Climate changes and wildfire alter vegetation of Yellowstone National Park, but forest cover persists

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clark, Jason A.; Loehman, Rachel A.; Keane, Robert E.

2017-01-01

We present landscape simulation results contrasting effects of changing climates on forest vegetation and fire regimes in Yellowstone National Park, USA, by mid-21st century. We simulated potential changes to fire dynamics and forest characteristics under three future climate projections representing a range of potential future conditions using the FireBGCv2 model. Under the future climate scenarios with moderate warming (>2°C) and moderate increases in precipitation (3–5%), model simulations resulted in 1.2–4.2 times more burned area, decreases in forest cover (10–44%), and reductions in basal area (14–60%). In these same scenarios, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) decreased in basal area (18–41%), while Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) basal area increased (21–58%). Conversely, mild warming (<2°C) coupled with greater increases in precipitation (12–13%) suggested an increase in forest cover and basal area by mid-century, with spruce and subalpine fir increasing in abundance. Overall, we found changes in forest tree species compositions were caused by the climate-mediated changes in fire regime (56–315% increase in annual area burned). Simulated changes in forest composition and fire regime under warming climates portray a landscape that shifts from lodgepole pine to Douglas-fir caused by the interaction between the magnitude and seasonality of future climate changes, by climate-induced changes in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, and by tree species response.

Water in the Kahuku area, Oahu, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Takasaki, K.J.; Valenciano, Santos

1969-01-01

The Kahuku area comprises the north end of the Koolau Range and its bordering coastal plain. This part of the range is less deeply eroded than oth3r parts, and except for long, narrow valleys and cliffs near the shore, it has retained the general shape of the original volcanic dome. A 21/2-mile-wide dike zone of parallel and subparallel dikes along the crest is the remnant of the fissure zone of eruption. Outcrops are mostly permeable lava flows of the Koolau Volcanic Series, which are intruded by dikes inside the dike zone and are free of dikes outside it. The lava flows constitute main aquifers, and water bodies in them are called dike water inside the dike zone and basal water outside it. Dikes, because they are less permeable than the lava flows they intrude, impound ground water, thereby controlling its movement, discharge, and storage. The top of the dike-impounded water is at an altitude of at least 1,000 feet near the south end of the Kahuku area. Dike water is discharged as leakage, the amount of which fluctuates in response to changes in storage, as flow into streams, where they intersect saturated rock, and as underflow to the basal-water body. Basal water occurs on either side of the dike zone, which forms both a structural and hydrologic boundary. It is artesian on the windward side wherever it underlies the coastal plain, and the altitude of water levels ranges from 7 to 22 feet. Leeward of the dike zone, basal water occurs only under water-table conditions because of the near absence of a coastal plain, and the altitude of water levels ranges from less than 1 foot to about 3 feet. The quality of dike water is excellent except near the north end. where it is slightly contaminated by infiltration of irrigation water that contains as much as 1,200 mg/1 (milligrams per liter) chloride. Irrigation water is also a source of contamination of the basal-water body. The major contaminant, however, is sea water, which underlies the basal-water body. In the Kahuku subarea--where pumpage from the basal-water body is greatest--sea-water contamination is a major concern. Natural contamination by encroaching sea water extends more than 2 miles inland in the Waimea-Kawela subarea and generally precludes development of large quantities of basal water. At low altitudes where the perennial flow is small, all streams are intermittent except Kaluanui and Kamananui. Some streams are perennial in their upper reaches because of persistent rainfall, and some are perennial in their middle reaches owing to the discharge of dike water; however, most flows are small in the lower reaches because most of the flow has infiltrated into the ground-water reservoir. For these reasons, streamflow cannot be economically developed and is not a reliable source of water supply. Average rainfall is about 240 mgd (million gallons per day). Of this amount, about 220 mgd is in the mountains. On .the basis of a rainfall input of 220 mgd and estimates of stream runoff and evapotranspiration, ground-water flow is estimated to be 85 mgd, a figure which compares favorably with estimates based on analyses of pumping-test data. Of this amount, an average of 30 mgd is discharged by wells and the remaining 55 mgd is eventually discharged to the sea by underflow or to the atmosphere by evapotranspiration. The most promising areas for developing basal water are in the Hauula and Laie subareas, where draft is low and ground-water flow is high. The Waimea-Kawela subarea is not promising owing 'to low ground-water flow even though draft is low. Least promising for development is in the Kahuku subarea where an overdeveloped condition prevails in which draft for sugarcane irrigation exceeds the ground-water flow. The development of dike water is promising in the Waimea-Kawela subarea where ground-water flow greatly exceeds the draft.

Total Body Capacitance for Estimating Human Basal Metabolic Rate in an Egyptian Population

PubMed Central

M. Abdel-Mageed, Samir; I. Mohamed, Ehab

2016-01-01

Determining basal metabolic rate (BMR) is important for estimating total energy needs in the human being yet, concerns have been raised regarding the suitability of sex-specific equations based on age and weight for its calculation on an individual or population basis. It has been shown that body cell mass (BCM) is the body compartment responsible for BMR. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between total body capacitance (TBC), which is considered as an expression for BCM, and BMR and to develop a formula for calculating BMR in comparison with widely used equations. Fifty healthy nonsmoking male volunteers [mean age (± SD): 24.93 ± 4.15 year and body mass index (BMI): 25.63 ± 3.59 kg/m2] and an equal number of healthy nonsmoking females matched for age and BMI were recruited for the study. TBC and BMR were measured for all participants using octopolar bioelectric impedance analysis and indirect calorimetry techniques, respectively. A significant regressing equation based on the covariates: sex, weight, and TBC for estimating BMR was derived (R=0.96, SEE=48.59 kcal, and P<0.0001), which will be useful for nutritional and health status assessment for both individuals and populations. PMID:27127453

FTO variant, energy intake, physical activity and basal metabolic rate in Caucasians. The HAPIEE study.

PubMed

Hubáček, J A; Pikhart, H; Peasey, A; Kubínová, R; Bobák, M

2011-01-01

The FTO gene variants are the most important genetic determinants of body weight and obesity known so far, but the mechanism of their effect remains unclear. We have analyzed FTO rs17817449 variant (G>T in first intron) in 6024 adults aged 45-69 years to assess the potential mediating role of diet and physical activity. Diet was assessed by a 140-item food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was measured by hours spent during a typical week by sport, walking and other activities outside of work requiring heavy and medium physical activity. Basal metabolic rate was calculated according Schofield formula. The FTO variant was significantly associated with body mass index (means in GG, GT and TT carriers were 28.7, 28.2 and 27.8 kg/m(2), p<0.001) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) (means in GG, GT and TT were 1603, 1588 and 1576 kcal per day, respectively, p<0.008) but it was not associated with physical activity, total energy intake or with energy intakes from fat, carbohydrates, proteins or alcohol. Results were essentially similar in men and women and the adjustment for physical activity or dietary energy intake did not reduce the effect of the FTO polymorphism. Means of BMR per kg of body weight was lowest in GG carriers (20.09, 20.21 for GT and 20.30 for TT, p<0.006) and this effect was more pronounced in females. These results suggest that the effect of the FTO rs17817449 variant on BMI in Caucasian adults is not mediated by energy intake or physical activity, but some effect on BMR per kg of body weight is possible.

I-123 - FP-CIT pharmacokinetics and dosimetry show great potential for the evaluation of dopamine transporter system in clinical routine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Costa, D.C.; Walker, S.; Waddington, W.

1996-05-01

FP-CIT is a N-fluoropropyl analogue of the [2{beta}-carbomethoxy-3{beta}-(4-iodophenyl)tropane] which has been labelled with I-123 and developed as a new marker of the pre-synaptic dopamine transporter system. Its selective uptake in the striatum of non-human primates and human volunteers has been reported with advantageous faster brain kinetics than {beta}-CIT. In this pilot work we studied the whole body imaging kinetics of FP-CIT in one normal volunteer - NV (5, 60, 100, 360 minutes and 24 hours post-injection for 20 minutes each) and a drug-free patient with well established Parkinson`s disease - PD (100 minutes) after intravenous injection of 111 MBq. Bothmore » subjects had high resolution brain SPECT at 35 minutes and 3.5 hours post-injection. Percent of whole body uptake (geometric mean of anterior and posterior projections) in different organs, including total brain and basal ganglia shows rapid clearance from blood during the first hour with no significant change from 100 minutes to 24 hours. The basal ganglia uptake is approximately 0.4% of total body from 100 minutes onwards. Striatal uptake (ratio to frontal cortex) is different between subjects, mainly at 3.5 hours and more marked in the putamen: Calculated dosimetry (mSv/MBq) showed E.D.E.-0.034, and total doses to whole body - 0.01, total brain - 0.017, basal ganglia - 0.155, small intestine - 0.06, urinary bladder - 0.05 and liver - 0.03. These data confirm that FP-CIT has acceptable dosimetry with good pharmacokinetics enabling the study of pre-synaptic dopamine transport system in nigrostriatal degeneration with clinical SPECT at 3-4 hrs p.i.« less

Assessment of nutritional status in cancer--the relationship between body composition and pharmacokinetics.

PubMed

Prado, Carla M M; Maia, Yara L M; Ormsbee, Michael; Sawyer, Michael B; Baracos, Vickie E

2013-10-01

Several nutritional assessment tools have been used in oncology settings to monitor nutritional status and its associated prognostic significance. Body composition is fundamental for the assessment of nutritional status. Recently, the use of accurate and precise body composition tools has significantly added to the value of nutritional assessment in this clinical setting. Computerized tomography (CT) is an example of a technique which provides state-of-the-art assessment of body composition. With use of CT images, a great variability in body composition of cancer patients has been identified even in people with identical body weight or body mass index. Severe muscle depletion (sarcopenia) has emerged as a prevalent body composition phenotype which is predictive of poor functional status, shorter time to tumor progression, shorter survival, and higher incidence of dose-limiting toxicity. Variability in body composition of cancer patients may be a source of disparities in the metabolism of cytotoxic agents. Future clinical trials investigating dose reductions in patients with sarcopenia and dose-escalating studies based on pre-treatment body composition assessment have the potential to alter cancer treatment paradigms.

Effects of feeding the herb Borreria latifolia on the meat quality of village chickens in Malaysia.

PubMed

Abbood, Ali A; Kassim, Azhar Bin; Jawad, Hasan S A; Manap, Yazid Abdul; Sazili, Awis Qurni

2017-06-01

An experiment was carried out to estimate the meat quality characteristics of village chickens (Gallus gallus) fed diets supplemented with dry leaves of Borreria latifolia (BL) used as a potential antioxidant source in chicken feed. In this study, 252 sexed 9-week-old village chickens with mean live body weight of 1,525.4 g for males and 1,254.1 g for females were divided into 7 groups (each group 18 birds) for each sex represented in 2 experiments. The first experiment was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of BL and the effect on meat quality through a comparison with Rosmarinus officinalis (RO); hence, 3 groups were conducted and included: T1 (control), basal diet without supplementation; T2, basal diet with 1% of BL; T3, basal diet with 1% of RO. T2 and T3 significantly affect pH value, lipid oxidation, cooking loss, and overall acceptability compared to T1, while no significant difference was observed between the dietary groups in respect of drip loss, color, tenderness, fatty acid profile, and meat composition. Furthermore, a significant effect of sex on lipid oxidation, pH, yellowness, and fatty acid profile was observed. There was no significant effect of sex on WHC, tenderness, lightness, redness, and sensory evaluation. A significant influence of postmortem aging period was detected on lipid oxidation, pH, tenderness, cooking loss, and redness. The obtained result in this study revealed a significance in the interaction of herb by sex in pH parameter and between herb and sex, herb by aging period, sex by aging period, and the herb by sex by aging period interactions with regard to lipid oxidation test. The second experiment was to estimate the effect of 3 different levels of BL on meat quality. Four groups were provided and involved: T1 (control), basal diet without supplementation; T2, basal diet with 1.5% of BL; T3, basal diet with 2% of BL; and T4, basal diet with 2.5% of BL. The result of this study showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) of the dietary groups on redness value, sensory evaluation, and lipid oxidation. A significant effect of sex on fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation was detected in addition a significant effect of postmortem aging period on redness, pH, tenderness, cooking loss, and lipid oxidation was noticed. There was no significance in the interaction between herb and sex through pH test while a significance in the interaction between herb and sex, herb  × aging period, sex × aging period, and herb × sex × aging period interactions with regard to lipid oxidation was found. It can be concluded that dietary supplementation of BL improved oxidative stability and enhanced meat quality. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wolfe, R.R.; Peters, E.J.; Klein, S.

In this study the rate of lipolysis (fatty acid and glycerol release into blood) has been quantified in both normal weight and obese volunteers after both 15 and 87 h of fasting. In each study, the basal rate and subsequent response to epinephrine infusion were determined. The rate of appearance (R/sub a/) of free fatty acids (FFA) and glycerol were quantified by infusion of (1- TC)palmitate and D-5-glycerol, respectively. Substrate flux rates per unit of body fat mass and lean body mass were calculated from total body water measurements using H2 YO dilution. In normal volunteers, the basal R/sub a/more » FFA and R/sub a/ glycerol rose markedly with 87 h of fasting, whereas the increases were more modest in the obese subjects. However, the rate of mobilization of fat, in relation to the lean body mass, was higher in the obese subjects than in the normal subjects after 15 h of fasting, and the values were similar in both groups after 87 h of fasting. There was an increased lipolytic response to epinephrine after fasting in both groups. This increased sensitivity may have resulted from the enhancement of fatty acid-triglyceride substrate cycling that occurred after fasting.« less

[The influence of ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic radiation and low-intensity laser radiation on the body core temperature and basal metabolism in rats with systemic inflammation].

PubMed

Zhavoronok, I P; Molchanova, A Iu; Ulashik, V S

2012-01-01

The effects of ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic radiation (UHF EMR) and low-intensity laser irradiation (LILI) on the body and skin temperature, oxygen consumption, production of carbon dioxide and heat release were investigated in the experiments on intact rats and during LPS-induced polyphasic fever. It was found that UHF EMR with the wavelength of 4,9 mm, 5,6 mm or 7,1 mm and LILI with the wavelength of 0.47 microm, 0.67 microm and 0.87 microm caused modulation of basal metabolism and thermal response to systemically administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These findings suggest that the most pronounced antipyretic and hypometabolic effects were observed after the treatment with UHF EMR at 7,1 mm and LILI at 470 microm.

Logging impacts on avian species richness and composition differ across latitudes relative to foraging and breeding habitat preferences

USGS Publications Warehouse

LaManna, Joseph A.; Martin, Thomas E.

2017-01-01

Understanding the causes underlying changes in species diversity is a fundamental pursuit of ecology. Animal species richness and composition often change with decreased forest structural complexity associated with logging. Yet differences in latitude and forest type may strongly influence how species diversity responds to logging. We performed a meta-analysis of logging effects on local species richness and composition of birds across the world and assessed responses by different guilds (nesting strata, foraging strata, diet, and body size). This approach allowed identification of species attributes that might underlie responses to this anthropogenic disturbance. We only examined studies that allowed forests to regrow naturally following logging, and accounted for logging intensity, spatial extent, successional regrowth after logging, and the change in species composition expected due to random assembly from regional species pools. Selective logging in the tropics and clearcut logging in temperate latitudes caused loss of species from nearly all forest strata (ground to canopy), leading to substantial declines in species richness (up to 27% of species). Few species were lost or gained following any intensity of logging in lower-latitude temperate forests, but the relative abundances of these species changed substantially. Selective logging at higher-temperate latitudes generally replaced late-successional specialists with early-successional specialists, leading to no net changes in species richness but large changes in species composition. Removing less basal area during logging mitigated the loss of avian species from all forests and, in some cases, increased diversity in temperate forests. This meta-analysis provides insights into the important role of habitat specialization in determining differential responses of animal communities to logging across tropical and temperate latitudes.

Logging impacts on avian species richness and composition differ across latitudes and foraging and breeding habitat preferences.

PubMed

LaManna, Joseph A; Martin, Thomas E

2017-08-01

Understanding the causes underlying changes in species diversity is a fundamental pursuit of ecology. Animal species richness and composition often change with decreased forest structural complexity associated with logging. Yet differences in latitude and forest type may strongly influence how species diversity responds to logging. We performed a meta-analysis of logging effects on local species richness and composition of birds across the world and assessed responses by different guilds (nesting strata, foraging strata, diet, and body size). This approach allowed identification of species attributes that might underlie responses to this anthropogenic disturbance. We only examined studies that allowed forests to regrow naturally following logging, and accounted for logging intensity, spatial extent, successional regrowth after logging, and the change in species composition expected due to random assembly from regional species pools. Selective logging in the tropics and clearcut logging in temperate latitudes caused loss of species from nearly all forest strata (ground to canopy), leading to substantial declines in species richness (up to 27% of species). Few species were lost or gained following any intensity of logging in lower-latitude temperate forests, but the relative abundances of these species changed substantially. Selective logging at higher-temperate latitudes generally replaced late-successional specialists with early-successional specialists, leading to no net changes in species richness but large changes in species composition. Removing less basal area during logging mitigated the loss of avian species from all forests and, in some cases, increased diversity in temperate forests. This meta-analysis provides insights into the important role of habitat specialization in determining differential responses of animal communities to logging across tropical and temperate latitudes. © 2016 Cambridge Philosophical Society.

Three-dimensional spatial modeling of spines along dendritic networks in human cortical pyramidal neurons

PubMed Central

Larrañaga, Pedro; Benavides-Piccione, Ruth; Fernaud-Espinosa, Isabel; DeFelipe, Javier; Bielza, Concha

2017-01-01

We modeled spine distribution along the dendritic networks of pyramidal neurons in both basal and apical dendrites. To do this, we applied network spatial analysis because spines can only lie on the dendritic shaft. We expanded the existing 2D computational techniques for spatial analysis along networks to perform a 3D network spatial analysis. We analyzed five detailed reconstructions of adult human pyramidal neurons of the temporal cortex with a total of more than 32,000 spines. We confirmed that there is a spatial variation in spine density that is dependent on the distance to the cell body in all dendrites. Considering the dendritic arborizations of each pyramidal cell as a group of instances of the same observation (the neuron), we used replicated point patterns together with network spatial analysis for the first time to search for significant differences in the spine distribution of basal dendrites between different cells and between all the basal and apical dendrites. To do this, we used a recent variant of Ripley’s K function defined to work along networks. The results showed that there were no significant differences in spine distribution along basal arbors of the same neuron and along basal arbors of different pyramidal neurons. This suggests that dendritic spine distribution in basal dendritic arbors adheres to common rules. However, we did find significant differences in spine distribution along basal versus apical networks. Therefore, not only do apical and basal dendritic arborizations have distinct morphologies but they also obey different rules of spine distribution. Specifically, the results suggested that spines are more clustered along apical than in basal dendrites. Collectively, the results further highlighted that synaptic input information processing is different between these two dendritic domains. PMID:28662210

Three-dimensional spatial modeling of spines along dendritic networks in human cortical pyramidal neurons.

PubMed

Anton-Sanchez, Laura; Larrañaga, Pedro; Benavides-Piccione, Ruth; Fernaud-Espinosa, Isabel; DeFelipe, Javier; Bielza, Concha

2017-01-01

We modeled spine distribution along the dendritic networks of pyramidal neurons in both basal and apical dendrites. To do this, we applied network spatial analysis because spines can only lie on the dendritic shaft. We expanded the existing 2D computational techniques for spatial analysis along networks to perform a 3D network spatial analysis. We analyzed five detailed reconstructions of adult human pyramidal neurons of the temporal cortex with a total of more than 32,000 spines. We confirmed that there is a spatial variation in spine density that is dependent on the distance to the cell body in all dendrites. Considering the dendritic arborizations of each pyramidal cell as a group of instances of the same observation (the neuron), we used replicated point patterns together with network spatial analysis for the first time to search for significant differences in the spine distribution of basal dendrites between different cells and between all the basal and apical dendrites. To do this, we used a recent variant of Ripley's K function defined to work along networks. The results showed that there were no significant differences in spine distribution along basal arbors of the same neuron and along basal arbors of different pyramidal neurons. This suggests that dendritic spine distribution in basal dendritic arbors adheres to common rules. However, we did find significant differences in spine distribution along basal versus apical networks. Therefore, not only do apical and basal dendritic arborizations have distinct morphologies but they also obey different rules of spine distribution. Specifically, the results suggested that spines are more clustered along apical than in basal dendrites. Collectively, the results further highlighted that synaptic input information processing is different between these two dendritic domains.

Comparative chloroplast genomics: Analyses including new sequencesfrom the angiosperms Nuphar advena and Ranunculus macranthus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raubeso, Linda A.; Peery, Rhiannon; Chumley, Timothy W.

2007-03-01

The number of completely sequenced plastid genomes available is growing rapidly. This new array of sequences presents new opportunities to perform comparative analyses. In comparative studies, it is most useful to compare across wide phylogenetic spans and, within angiosperms, to include representatives from basally diverging lineages such as the new genomes reported here: Nuphar advena (from a basal-most lineage) and Ranunculus macranthus (from the basal group of eudicots). We report these two new plastid genome sequences and make comparisons (within angiosperms, seed plants, or all photosynthetic lineages) to evaluate features such as the status of ycf15 and ycf68 as proteinmore » coding genes, the distribution of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and longer dispersed repeats (SDR), and patterns of nucleotide composition.« less

Energy and macronutrient intake after gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a 3-y observational study focused on protein consumption.

PubMed

Giusti, Vittorio; Theytaz, Fanny; Di Vetta, Véronique; Clarisse, Muriel; Suter, Michel; Tappy, Luc

2016-01-01

The effect of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on body weight has been amply documented, but few studies have simultaneously assessed the evolution of energy and macronutrient intakes, energy expenditure, and changes in body composition over time after an RYGB. We evaluated energy and macronutrient intakes, body composition, and the basal metabolic rate (BMR) in obese female patients during the initial 3 y after an RYGB. Sixteen women with a mean ± SEM body mass index (in kg/m(2)) of 44.1 ± 1.6 were included in this prospective observational study. The women were studied on 6 different occasions as follows: before and 1, 3, 6, 12 (n = 16), and 36 (n = 8) mo after surgery. On each occasion, food intake was evaluated from 4- or 7-d dietary records, body composition was assessed with the use of bio-impedancemetry, and energy expenditure was measured with the use of indirect calorimetry. Body weight evolution showed the typical pattern reported after an RYGB. Total energy intake was 2072 ± 108 kcal/d at baseline and decreased to 681 ± 58 kcal/d at 1 mo after surgery (P < 0.05 compared with at baseline). Total energy intake progressively increased to reach 1240 ± 87 kcal/d at 12 mo after surgery (P < 0.05 compared with at 1 mo after surgery) and 1448 ± 57 kcal/d at 36 mo after surgery (P < 0.05 compared with at 12 mo after surgery). Protein intake was 87 ± 4 g/d at baseline and ± 2 g/d 1 mo after surgery (P < 0.05 compared with at baseline) and increased progressively thereafter to reach 57 ± 3 g/d at 36 mo after surgery (P < 0.05 compared with at 1 mo after surgery). Carbohydrate and fat intakes over time showed similar patterns. Protein intake from meat and cheese were significantly reduced early at 1 mo after surgery but increased thereafter (P < 0.05). The BMR decreased from 1.12 ± 0.04 kcal/min at baseline to 0.93 ± 0.03, 0.86 ± 0.03, and 0.85 ± 0.04 kcal/min at 3, 12, and 36 mo after surgery, respectively (all P < 0.05 compared with at baseline). Total energy, carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes decreased markedly during the initial 1-3 mo after an RYGB, whereas the BMR moderately decreased. The reduction in protein intake was particularly severe at 1 mo after surgery, and protein intake increased gradually after 3-6 mo after surgery. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01891591. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Effect of body composition methodology on heritability estimation of body fatness

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Heritability estimates of human body fatness vary widely and the contribution of body composition methodology to this variability is unknown. The effect of body composition methodology on estimations of genetic and environmental contributions to body fatness variation was examined in 78 adult male ...

Dynamics of action potential backpropagation in basal dendrites of prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons.

PubMed

Zhou, Wen-Liang; Yan, Ping; Wuskell, Joseph P; Loew, Leslie M; Antic, Srdjan D

2008-02-01

Basal dendrites of neocortical pyramidal neurons are relatively short and directly attached to the cell body. This allows electrical signals arising in basal dendrites to strongly influence the neuronal output. Likewise, somatic action potentials (APs) should readily propagate back into the basilar dendritic tree to influence synaptic plasticity. Two recent studies, however, determined that sodium APs are severely attenuated in basal dendrites of cortical pyramidal cells, so that they completely fail in distal dendritic segments. Here we used the latest improvements in the voltage-sensitive dye imaging technique (Zhou et al., 2007) to study AP backpropagation in basal dendrites of layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the rat prefrontal cortex. With a signal-to-noise ratio of > 15 and minimal temporal averaging (only four sweeps) we were able to sample AP waveforms from the very last segments of individual dendritic branches (dendritic tips). We found that in short- (< 150 microm) and medium (150-200 microm in length)-range basal dendrites APs backpropagated with modest changes in AP half-width or AP rise-time. The lack of substantial changes in AP shape and dynamics of rise is inconsistent with the AP-failure model. The lack of substantial amplitude boosting of the third AP in the high-frequency burst also suggests that in short- and medium-range basal dendrites backpropagating APs were not severely attenuated. Our results show that the AP-failure concept does not apply in all basal dendrites of the rat prefrontal cortex. The majority of synaptic contacts in the basilar dendritic tree actually received significant AP-associated electrical and calcium transients.

Does a lack of physical activity explain the rheumatoid arthritis lipid profile?

PubMed

AbouAssi, Hiba; Connelly, Margery A; Bateman, Lori A; Tune, K Noelle; Huebner, Janet L; Kraus, Virginia B; Winegar, Deborah A; Otvos, James D; Kraus, William E; Huffman, Kim M

2017-02-10

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cardiovascular risk is associated with paradoxical reductions in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Concentrations of small LDL (LDL-P) and HDL (HDL-P) particles are also reduced with increased inflammation and disease activity in RA patients. Here we sought to identify which measure(s) of inflammation, disease activity and cardiometabolic risk contribute most to the RA-associated lipoprotein profile. NMR lipoprotein measurements were obtained for individuals with RA (n = 50) and age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (n = 39). Groups were compared using 39 matched pairs with 11 additional subjects used in RA only analyses. Among RA patients, relationships were determined for lipoprotein parameters with measures of disease activity, disability, pain, inflammation, body composition, insulin sensitivity and exercise. Percentage of time spent in basal activity (<1 metabolic equivalent) and exercise (≥3 metabolic equivalents) were objectively-determined. Subjects with RA had fewer total and small LDL-P as well as larger LDL and HDL size (P < 0.05). Among RA patients, pain and disability were associated with fewer small HDL-P (P < 0.05), while interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, and TNF-α were associated with LDL size (P < 0.05). BMI, waist circumference, abdominal visceral adiposity and insulin resistance were associated with more total and small LDL-P, fewer large HDL-P, and a reduction in HDL size (P < 0.05). Most similar to the RA lipoprotein profile, more basal activity (minimal physical activity) and less exercise time were associated with fewer small LDL-P and total and small HDL-P (P < 0.05). The RA-associated lipoprotein profile is associated with a lack of physical activity. As this was a cross-sectional investigation and not an intervention and was performed from 2008-13, this study was not registered in clinicaltrials.gov.

Composition and structure of an old-growth floodplain forest of the lower Kaskaskia River

Treesearch

John B. Taft

2003-01-01

Compositional and structural properties of canopy, shrub/sapling, and ground-cover strata were measured within an old-growth floodplain forest bordering the lower Kaskaskia River in southwestern Illinois. Basal area for trees was estimated at 31.8 m²/ha, tree density was 398 trees/ha with 27 species recorded in the canopy stratum. The dominant tree species...

The Effects of Gonadotropin Replacement Therapy on Metabolic Parameters and Body Composition in Men with Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism.

PubMed

Bayram, F; Elbuken, G; Korkmaz, C; Aydogdu, A; Karaca, Z; Cakır, I

2016-02-01

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH) slows the process of metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases by its inversing effects on insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and blood pressure. Since there are not enough data regarding the effects of gonadotropin replacement therapy (GRT), we aimed to investigate the impact of GRT on MetS parameters in IHH patients. Sixteen patients with IHH and 20 age and body mass index (BDI)-matched healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after the GRT. Sex hormones, insulin like growth factor-1, prolactin, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, and lipid levels were measured at baseline and after the treatment. Anthropometric measurements, including BMI, body fat ratio (BFR), fat free mass (FFM), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), were also performed. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated. Body fat ratio, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, and CRP levels were higher, whereas bone age, fat free mass, and creatinine levels were lower in the patients with hypogonadism. HOMA-IR indices and basal insulin levels decreased significantly after 6 months of GRT compared with baseline levels. Triglyceride levels, and BFRs diminished significantly by an accompanying decline in WHR. FFM of the patients increased following the GRT. No significant changes were detected in CRP, homocysteine, total and LDL-cholesterol levels. Similar to TRT, hCG treatment decreases HOMA-IR, triglyceride levels, BFR and WHRs, and increases FFM in patients with IHH. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Basal Freeze-on: An Active Component of Hydrology from the Ice Divide to the Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, R. E.; Tinto, K. J.; Abdi, A.; Creyts, T. T.; Wolovick, M.; Das, I.; Ferraccioli, F.; Csatho, B. M.

2012-12-01

Subglacial hydrology is considered a key control of ice sheet dynamics. Here we show that basal freeze-on is a process that can terminate basal hydrologic networks both in the interior of East Antarctica and at the margins of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Basal freeze-on modifies the ice thickness, ice structure, and ice rheology and therefore must be considered in developing accurate understanding of how hydrology interacts with ice dynamics. In East Antarctica, the freeze-on process follows well-defined hydrologic networks within Gamburtsev Mountain valleys. The steep mountain topography strongly controls the routing of the subglacial water. Ice surface slope drives the water up the mountain valleys and freeze-on occurs at the valley heads. Freeze-on ice is characterized by distinct basal radar reflectors that emerge from the hydrologic network. Evidence that these spatially coherent reflectors demark accreted ice is the upward deflection of the overlying internal layers accompanied by thickening of base of the ice sheet. Individual accretion bodies can be 25 km wide across flow, 100 km along flow with average thicknesses of ~500m although the maximum thickness is 1100m. Regional accumulation rates near the accretion sites average 4cm/yr with low ice velocity (1.5 m/yr). The volume of the ice enclosed by the accretion ice reflectors is 45-1064 km3. The accretion occurs beneath 2200-3000m thick ice and has been persistent for at least 50,000yr. Other basal reflectors in northern Greenland appear in radar from NASA's Icebridge mission and CRESIS. To identify freeze-on ice, we use specific criteria: reflectors must originate from the bed, must be spatially continuous from line to line and the meteoric stratigraphy is deflected upward. The absence of coincident gravity anomalies indicates these reflectors define distinct packages of ice rather than frozen sediment or off-nadir subglacial topography. In the Petermann Glacier Catchment, one of the largest in northern Greenland, we have identified 14 distinct basal ice packages over a wide region. The accumulation rate (~17 cm/yr) and ice velocity (~5-200m/yr) are higher than East Antarctica. These accretion bodies are 10-50 km wide, up to 940m thick and can be traced up to 140 km. The volume of the ice enclosed by the accretion ice reflector units is ~70-300 km3. We estimate that the freeze-on process in Petermann has been active for at least 6,000yr. Water has been mapped beneath much of the Greenland ice sheet and adjacent to the inland freeze-on site flat bright reflectors are interpreted as basal water. The onset of fast flow in Petermann Glacier is associated with the development of the thickest unit of freeze-on ice. Other areas of Greenland also have basal freeze-on ice. North of Jakobshavn Isbrae where the ice sheet is ~1000 m thick, evidence exists for a nearly 10 km wide, 200 m thick unit of basal ice in airborne radar. Located close to the site where basal freeze-on outcrops at the ice sheet margin at Pakitsoq, this unit may be the result of freeze-on of water draining from a supraglacial lake. Basal freeze-on is a critical component of subglacial hydrology. The evidence for large scale freeze-on East Antarctica and many areas of Greenland indicates widespread modification of the base of the ice sheet by basal hydrology.

High intensity interval training is associated with greater impact on physical fitness, insulin sensitivity and muscle mitochondrial content in males with overweight/obesity, as opposed to continuous endurance training: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

De Strijcker, Dorien; Lapauw, Bruno; Ouwens, D Margriet; Van de Velde, Dominique; Hansen, Dominique; Petrovic, Mirko; Cuvelier, Claude; Tonoli, Cajsa; Calders, Patrick

2018-06-01

To evaluate the effect of high intensity training (HIT) on physical fitness, basal respiratory exchange ratio (bRER), insulin sensitivity and muscle histology in overweight/obese men compared to continuous aerobic training (CAT). 16 male participants with overweight/obesity (age: 42-57 years, body mass index: 28-36 kg/m2) were randomized to HIT (n=8) or CAT (n=8) for 10 weeks, twice a week. HIT was composed of 10 minutes high intensity, 10 minutes continuous aerobic, 10 minutes high intensity exercises. CAT was composed of three times 10 minutes continuous exercising. Changes in anthropometry, physical and metabolic fitness were evaluated. Muscle histology (mitochondria and lipid content) was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HIT showed a significant increase for peak VO2 (P=0.01), for insulin sensitivity (AUC glucose (P<0,001), AUC insulin (P<0,001), OGTT composite score (P=0.007)) and a significant decrease of bRER (P<0.001) compared to CAT. Muscle mitochondrial content was significantly increased after HIT at the subsarcolemmal (P=0.004 number and P=0.001 surface) as well as the intermyofibrillar site (P<0.001 number and P=0.001 surface). High intensity training elicits stronger beneficial effects on physical fitness, basal RER, insulin sensitivity, and muscle mitochondrial content, as compared to continuous aerobic training.

Influence of Body Composition on Gait Kinetics throughout Pregnancy and Postpartum Period

PubMed Central

Branco, Marco; Santos-Rocha, Rita; Vieira, Filomena; Silva, Maria-Raquel; Aguiar, Liliana; Veloso, António P.

2016-01-01

Pregnancy leads to several changes in body composition and morphology of women. It is not clear whether the biomechanical changes occurring in this period are due exclusively to body composition and size or to other physiological factors. The purpose was to quantify the morphology and body composition of women throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period and identify the contribution of these parameters on the lower limb joints kinetic during gait. Eleven women were assessed longitudinally, regarding anthropometric, body composition, and kinetic parameters of gait. Body composition and body dimensions showed a significant increase during pregnancy and a decrease in the postpartum period. In the postpartum period, body composition was similar to the 1st trimester, except for triceps skinfold, total calf area, and body mass index, with higher results than at the beginning of pregnancy. Regression models were developed to predict women's internal loading through anthropometric variables. Four models include variables associated with the amount of fat; four models include variables related to overall body weight; three models include fat-free mass; one model includes the shape of the trunk as a predictor variable. Changes in maternal body composition and morphology largely determine kinetic dynamics of the joints in pregnant women. PMID:27073713

Method for Forming Fiber Reinforced Composite Bodies with Graded Composition and Stress Zones

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Mrityunjay (Inventor); Levine, Stanley R. (Inventor); Smialek, James A. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A near-net, complex shaped ceramic fiber reinforced silicon carbide based composite bodies with graded compositions and stress zones is disclosed. To provide the composite a fiber preform is first fabricated and an interphase is applied by chemical vapor infiltration, sol-gel or polymer processes. This first body is further infiltrated with a polymer mixture containing carbon, and/or silicon carbide, and additional oxide, carbide, or nitride phases forming a second body. One side of the second body is spray coated or infiltrated with slurries containing high thermal expansion and oxidation resistant. crack sealant phases and the other side of this second body is coated with low expansion phase materials to form a third body. This third body consisting of porous carbonaceous matrix surrounding the previously applied interphase materials, is then infiltrated with molten silicon or molten silicon-refractory metal alloys to form a fourth body. The resulting fourth body comprises dense composites consisting of fibers with the desired interphase which are surrounded by silicon carbide and other second phases materials at the outer and inner surfaces comprising material of silicon, germanium, refractory metal suicides, borides, carbides, oxides, and combinations thereof The resulting composite fourth body has different compositional patterns from one side to the other.

Effects of cashew nut testa levels as an alternative to wheat bran in gestating sow diets.

PubMed

Fang, Lin Hu; Hong, Young Gi; Hong, Jin Su; Jeong, Jae Hark; Han, Young Geol; Kwon, In Hyuk; Kim, Yoo Yong

2018-06-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary cashew nut testa (CNT) as an alternative feed ingredient to wheat bran on reproductive performance, litter performance, milk composition, and blood profiles of gestating sows. Forth multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) were fed experimental diets starting at 35 days of pregnancy and an initial average body weight (BW) of 211.53±8.86 kg. Each sow was assigned to a treatment based on BW, backfat thickness (BF) and parity with 10 sows per treatment. Treatments were as follows: i) corn-soybean meal based diet with 6% of wheat bran (C0); ii) basal diet with 2% of CNT and 4% of wheat bran (C2); iii) basal diet with 4% of CNT and 2% of wheat bran (C4); and iv) basal diet with 6% of CNT (C6). There were no statistically significant differences in BW and BF of gestating sows throughout the experimental period. However, changes in BF (p = 0.09) and the daily feed intake of sows (p = 0.09) tended to linearly increase during the lactation period. The weaning to estrus interval (WEI) showed a quadratic response to CNT treatment (p = 0.02), and the C2 diet showed the shortest WEI. Litter birth weight (p = 0.04) and piglet birth weight (p = 0.06) were linearly decreased with increase in CNT. Furthermore, there had no significant differences in piglet weight and litter weight in 21 day. Insulin concentration at day 70 of gestation was linearly reduced with increasing CNT level in diets (p = 0.03). When 6% CNT replaced wheat bran in gestating sow diets, there were no negative effects on sow performance, but litter birth weight and piglet birth weight were decreased when CNT level increased in gestating sow diets.

Geochemistry and shock petrography of the Crow Creek Member, South Dakota, USA: Ejecta from the 74-Ma Manson impact structure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Katongo, C.; Koeberl, C.; Witzke, B.J.; Hammond, R.H.; Anderson, R.R.

2004-01-01

The Crow Creek Member is one of several marl units recognized within the Upper Cretaceous Pierre Shale Formation of eastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska, but it is the only unit that contains shock-metamorphosed minerals. The shocked minerals represent impact ejecta from the 74-Ma Manson impact structure (MIS). This study was aimed at determining the bulk chemical compositions and analysis of planar deformation features (PDFs) of shocked quartz; for the basal and marly units of the Crow Creek Member. We studied samples from the Gregory 84-21 core, Iroquois core and Wakonda lime quarry. Contents of siderophile elements are generally high, but due to uncertainties in the determination of Ir and uncertainties in compositional sources for Cr, Co, and Ni, we could not confirm an extraterrestrial component in the Crow Creek Member. We recovered several shocked quartz grains from basal-unit samples, mainly from the Gregory 84-21 core, and results of PDF measurements indicate shock pressures of at least 15 GPa. All the samples are composed chiefly of SiO2, (29-58 wt%), Al2O3 (6-14 wt%), and CaO (7-30 wt%). When compared to the composition of North American Shale Composite, the samples are significantly enriched in CaO, P2O5, Mn, Sr, Y, U, Cr, and Ni. The contents of rare earth elements (REE), high field strength elements (HFSE), Cr, Co, Sc, and their ratios and chemical weathering trends, reflect both felsic and basic sources for the Crow Creek Member, an inference, which is consistent with the lithological compositions in the environs of the MIS. The high chemical indices of alteration and weathering (CIA' and CIW': 75-99), coupled with the Al2O3-(CaO*,+Na2O -K2O (A-CN'-K) ratios, indicate that the Crow Creek Member and source rocks had undergone high degrees of chemical weathering. The expected ejecta thicknesses at the sampled locations (409 to 219 km from Manson) were calculated to range from about 1.9 to 12.2 cm (for the present-day crater radius of Manson), or 0.4 to 2.4 cm (for the estimated transient cavity radius). The trend agrees with the observed thicknesses of the basal unit of the Crow Creek Member, but the actually observed thicknesses are larger than the calculated ones, indicating that not all of the basal unit comprises impact ejecta. ?? Meteoritical Society, 2004.

Evolution of the Mauthner axon cap.

PubMed

Bierman, Hilary S; Zottoli, Steven J; Hale, Melina E

2009-01-01

Studies of vertebrate brain evolution have focused primarily on patterns of gene expression or changes in size and organization of major brain regions. The Mauthner cell, an important reticulospinal neuron that functions in the startle response of many species, provides an opportunity for evolutionary comparisons at the cellular level. Despite broad interspecific similarities in Mauthner cell morphology, the motor patterns and startle behaviors it initiates vary markedly. Response diversity has been hypothesized to result, in part, from differences in the structure and function of the Mauthner cell-associated axon cap. We used light microscopy techniques to compare axon cap morphology across a wide range of species, including all four extant basal actinopterygian orders, representatives of a variety of teleost lineages and lungfishes, and we combined our data with published descriptions of axon cap structure. The 'composite' axon cap, observed in teleosts, is an organized conglomeration of glia and fibers of inhibitory and excitatory interneurons. Lungfish, amphibian tadpoles and several basal actinopterygian fishes have 'simple' axon caps that appear to lack glia and include few fibers. Several other basal actinopterygian fishes have 'simple-dense' caps that include greater numbers of fibers than simple caps, but lack the additional elements and organization of composite caps. Phylogenetic mapping shows that through evolution there are discrete transitions in axon cap morphology occurring at the base of gnathostomes, within basal actinopterygians, and at the base of the teleost radiation. Comparing axon cap evolution to the evolution of startle behavior and motor pattern provides insight into the relationship between Mauthner cell-associated structures and their functions in behavior. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Integration of body temperature into the analysis of energy expenditure in the mouse

PubMed Central

Abreu-Vieira, Gustavo; Xiao, Cuiying; Gavrilova, Oksana; Reitman, Marc L.

2015-01-01

Objectives We quantified the effect of environmental temperature on mouse energy homeostasis and body temperature. Methods The effect of environmental temperature (4–33 °C) on body temperature, energy expenditure, physical activity, and food intake in various mice (chow diet, high-fat diet, Brs3-/y, lipodystrophic) was measured using continuous monitoring. Results Body temperature depended most on circadian phase and physical activity, but also on environmental temperature. The amounts of energy expenditure due to basal metabolic rate (calculated via a novel method), thermic effect of food, physical activity, and cold-induced thermogenesis were determined as a function of environmental temperature. The measured resting defended body temperature matched that calculated from the energy expenditure using Fourier's law of heat conduction. Mice defended a higher body temperature during physical activity. The cost of the warmer body temperature during the active phase is 4–16% of total daily energy expenditure. Parameters measured in diet-induced obese and Brs3-/y mice were similar to controls. The high post-mortem heat conductance demonstrates that most insulation in mice is via physiological mechanisms. Conclusions At 22 °C, cold-induced thermogenesis is ∼120% of basal metabolic rate. The higher body temperature during physical activity is due to a higher set point, not simply increased heat generation during exercise. Most insulation in mice is via physiological mechanisms, with little from fur or fat. Our analysis suggests that the definition of the upper limit of the thermoneutral zone should be re-considered. Measuring body temperature informs interpretation of energy expenditure data and improves the predictiveness and utility of the mouse to model human energy homeostasis. PMID:26042200

Skin temperature response to a liquid meal intake is different in men than in women.

PubMed

Martinez-Tellez, Borja; Ortiz-Alvarez, Lourdes; Sanchez-Delgado, Guillermo; Xu, Huiwen; Acosta, Francisco M; Merchan-Ramirez, Elisa; Muñoz-Hernandez, Victoria; Martinez-Avila, Wendy D; Contreras-Gomez, Miguel A; Gil, Angel; Labayen, Idoia; Ruiz, Jonatan R

2018-06-02

The thermic effect of food (TEF) refers to the increase of the metabolic rate and body temperature in response to a single meal. To date, most of the studies have focused to determine the TEF in terms of energy expenditure, but little is known about which is the response in terms of skin temperature. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the thermic effect of food (TEF) on the skin temperature with a standardized and individualized liquid meal test is different in young adult men than in young adult women. A total of 104 young adults (36 men and 68 women, age: 18-25 years old) consumed a standardized and individualized liquid meal (energy intake: 50% of measured basal metabolic rate, 50% carbohydrates, 35% fat, 15% protein). The skin temperature was measured by means of 17 iButtons during 3 h and 20 min. The mean, proximal, distal, and supraclavicular skin temperature, as well as the peripheral gradient, were determined as a proxy of a peripheral vasoconstriction. The participants reported the thermal sensation of the whole body, clavicular, feet, and hands zones. The body composition was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. The overall, mean, proximal, and supraclavicular skin temperature significantly increased after the meal intake (all P < 0.05 vs. the baseline temperature). There was a postprandial peripheral vasoconstriction right after the meal intake and over the first hour and a peripheral vasodilatation during the second and third hour. Women had a higher increase in all skin temperature parameters in comparison to men (all, P < 0.05), whereas there were no sex differences in the proximal skin temperature (P = 0.279). The pattern of thermal sensation was similar between sexes, but women always felt colder than men. All of the results persisted after adjusting the analyses for body composition or menstrual cycle. A standardized and individualized liquid meal test increases the skin temperature in young adults, being the thermic effect higher in women than in men. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Body Composition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayhew, Jerry L.

1981-01-01

Body composition refers to the types and amounts of tissues which make up the body. The most acceptable method for assessing body composition is underwater weighing. A subcutaneous skinfold provides a quantitative measurement of fat below the skin. The skinfold technique permits a valid estimate of the body's total fat content. (JN)

Body composition changes in pregnancy: measurement, predictors and outcomes

PubMed Central

Widen, EM; Gallagher, D

2014-01-01

Prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen in the United States over the past few decades. Concurrent with this rise in obesity has been an increase in pregravid body mass index and gestational weight gain affecting maternal body composition changes in pregnancy. During pregnancy, many of the assumptions inherent in body composition estimation are violated, particularly the hydration of fat-free mass, and available methods are unable to disentangle maternal composition from fetus and supporting tissues; therefore, estimates of maternal body composition during pregnancy are prone to error. Here we review commonly used and available methods for assessing body composition changes in pregnancy, including: (1) anthropometry, (2) total body water, (3) densitometry, (4) imaging, (5) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, (6) bioelectrical impedance and (7) ultrasound. Several of these methods can measure regional changes in adipose tissue; however, most of these methods provide only whole-body estimates of fat and fat-free mass. Consideration is given to factors that may influence changes in maternal body composition, as well as long-term maternal and offspring outcomes. Finally, we provide recommendations for future research in this area. PMID:24667754

Effects of Two Herbal Extracts and Virginiamycin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microflora Population and Fatty Acid Composition in Broiler Chickens

PubMed Central

Ramiah, Suriya Kumari; Zulkifli, Idrus; Rahim, Nordiana Asyikin Abdul; Ebrahimi, Mahdi; Meng, Goh Yong

2014-01-01

The competency of garlic and pennywort to improve broiler chicken growth and influence intestinal microbial communities and fatty acid composition of breast meat were studied. Two hundred forty, “day-old” chicks were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups consisting of 6 replications of 10 chicks in each pen. The groups were assigned to receive treatment diets as follows: i) basal diet (control), ii) basal diet plus 0.5% garlic powder (GP), iii) basal diet plus 0.5% pennywort powder (PW) and iv) 0.002% virginiamycin (VM). Birds were killed at day 42 and intestinal samples were collected to assess for Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli. The pectoralis profundus from chicken breast samples was obtained from 10 birds from each treatment group on day 42 and frozen at −20°C for further analyses. Fatty acid profile of breast muscles was determined using gas liquid chromatography. Feed intake and weight gain of broilers fed with GP, PW, and VM were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to control. Feeding chicks GP, PW, and VM significantly reduced Escherichia coli count (p<0.05) while Lactobacillus spp count were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the gut when compared to control group on day 42. Supplemented diet containing pennywort increased the C18:3n-3 fatty acid composition of chickens’ breast muscle. Garlic and pennywort may be useful in modulating broiler guts as they control the enteropathogens that help to utilize feed efficiently. This subsequently enhances the growth performances of broiler chickens. PMID:25049964

Forest dynamics in Oregon landscapes: Evaluation and application of an individual-based model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Busing, R.T.; Solomon, A.M.; McKane, R.B.; Burdick, C.A.

2007-01-01

The FORCLIM model of forest dynamics was tested against field survey data for its ability to simulate basal area and composition of old forests across broad climatic gradients in western Oregon, USA. The model was also tested for its ability to capture successional trends in ecoregions of the west Cascade Range. It was then applied to simulate present and future (1990-2050) forest landscape dynamics of a watershed in the west Cascades. Various regimes of climate change and harvesting in the watershed were considered in the landscape application. The model was able to capture much of the variation in forest basal area and composition in western Oregon even though temperature and precipitation were the only inputs that were varied among simulated sites. The measured decline in total basal area from tall coastal forests eastward to interior steppe was matched by simulations. Changes in simulated forest dominants also approximated those in the actual data. Simulated abundances of a few minor species did not match actual abundances, however. Subsequent projections of climate change and harvest effects in a west Cascades landscape indicated no change in forest dominance as of 2050. Yet, climate-driven shifts in the distributions of some species were projected. The simulation of both stand-replacing and partial-stand disturbances across western Oregon improved agreement between simulated and actual data. Simulations with fire as an agent of partial disturbance suggested that frequent fires of low severity can alter forest composition and structure as much or more than severe fires at historic frequencies. ?? 2007 by the Ecological Society of America.

Design considerations of a real-time clinical confocal microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masters, Barry R.

1991-06-01

A real-time clinical confocal light microscope provides the ophthalmologist with a new tool for the observation of the cornea and the ocular lens. In addition, the ciliary body, the iris, and the sclera can be observed. The real-time light microscopic images have high contrast and resolution. The transverse resolution is about one half micron and the range resolution is one micron. The following observations were made with visible light: corneal epithelial cells, wing cells, basal cells, Bowman's membrane, nerve fibers, basal lamina, fibroblast nuclei, Descemet's membrane, endothelial cells. Observation of the in situ ocular lens showed lens capsule, lens epithelium, lens fibrils, the interior of lens fibrils. The applications of the confocal microscope include: eye banking, laser refractive surgery, observation of wound healing, observation of the iris, the sciera, the ciliary body, the ocular lens, and the intraocular lens. Digital image processing can produce three-dimensional reconstructions of the cornea and the ocular lens.

Vitamin and trace element supplementation in grazing dairy ewe during the dry season: effect on milk yield, composition, and clotting aptitude.

PubMed

Tufarelli, Vincenzo; Petrera, F; Khan, R U; Laudadio, Vito

2011-06-01

A study was carried out to evaluate the influence of vitamin and trace mineral supplementation on milk production and composition in grazing dairy ewes during the dry season. Ewes (n = 50) were assigned at weaning to blocks and treatments. Ewes were daily conducted (8 h/day) on a pasture based on Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). At fold, ewes received a basal diet composed by ad libitum oat hay and a definite amount of a pelleted concentrate. Dietary treatments included: (1) the control concentrate containing background of vitamin and trace mineral only, and (2) the experimental concentrate containing the premix supplement (10 g/kg of dry matter). Vitamin and trace mineral supplementation did not affect ewes' body weight. Milk, fat- and protein-corrected milk, fat percentage, and clotting properties were improved in ewes fed supplemented concentrate. There was a week × treatment interaction (P < 0.05) for yield of milk and corrected milk that was greatest at peak production in ewes fed the premix. Our findings indicate that in grazing dairy ewe, the dietary vitamin and trace mineral supplementation during dry season led to an increase of milk production and quality, with positive improvement in milk clotting aptitude.

Influence of particle size on the effectiveness of the fiber in alfalfa silage.

PubMed

Clark, P W; Armentano, L E

2002-11-01

The objective was to determine the influence of alfalfa silage particle length on milk yield, milk composition, and chewing activity. Sixteen multiparous lactating Holsteins were used in each of two separate feeding trials over a 2-yr period providing two repetitions. Each trial was based on 4 x 4 Latin squares with 21-d periods. All four diets (2-yr average, dry basis) contained a basal level of 10.7% neutral detergent fiber from corn silage and 2.3% neutral detergent fiber from chopped alfalfagrass hay. One of the diets served as a low forage, low fiber control and contained only the basal forages. The other three diets contained an additional 8.6% neutral detergent fiber from coarser alfalfa silage, finely rechopped alfalfa silage or an equal mixture ofthe two. An increase in the forage content above the basal amount using alfalfa silage increased 4% fat-corrected milk yield, milk fat yield and concentration, eating time, and total chewing time. Dry matter intake was not influenced by diet. Linear increases in rumination and total chewing times were observed as the mean particle size of the alfalfa silage increased from finer to coarser. There was no linear effect of alfalfa silage particle size on milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk yield, dry matter intake, or milk composition.

Is there just one lesion? The need for whole body skin examination in patients presenting with non-melanocytic skin cancer.

PubMed

Terrill, Patricia Jane; Fairbanks, Sian; Bailey, Michael

2009-10-01

In patients presenting with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) the frequency of concurrently presenting tumours is poorly documented. Whole body skin examination is recommended but in a recent survey of Australian General Practitioners and skin cancer clinics doctors it was infrequently performed. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of concurrent skin cancer at initial presentation and therefore to examine the need for whole body skin examination for NMSC presentations. One hundred consecutive patients with a referral diagnosis indicative of NMSC were examined. Data was analysed as to the referring doctor's diagnosis, whole body skin examination findings and histology of excised lesions. Epidemiological data was obtained by patient questionnaire. One hundred patients, 41 males and 59 females, with a mean age of 70 years (range 39-91 years) underwent whole body skin examination. Sixty-seven per cent of patients were found to have additional lesions requiring treatment, 46% sin cancers (30 patients basal cell carcinomas, five squamous cell carcinomas, seven basal and squamous cell carcinomas, two lentigo maligna, two adenexal tumours) and 21% solar keratoses. Thirty-four of the additional lesions detected were in areas covered by clothing. Sixty-eight patients had a past history of skin cancer excision. In the Australian patient population, the need for whole body skin examination is essential to avoid missing concurrent lesions. Ongoing surveillance is also essential as these patients have a high risk of developing future NMSC.

[The origin of homoiothermy--unsolved problem].

PubMed

Dol'nik, V P

2003-01-01

The analysis of allometric dependence of energy expenditure on body mass among reptiles, birds and mammals has shown that standard metabolic rate of reptiles when they are warmed up to the temperature of homoiothermic animals is an order of magnitude lower than that of birds and mammals. Basal metabolism is originated as special feature historically related to the metabolism during active behavior, rather than thermal regulation. Facultative endothermy was not advantageous for large animals because of long time needed to warm up the body. The ancestors of birds and animals escaped negative consequences of van't-Hoff equation by choosing constant body temperature. Heat conductivity of reptile's covers is so great, that it cannot keep endogenous warm of resting animal at any temperature of the body. Reptile "dressed" in covers of bird or mammal would be able to keep warm under conditions of maximal aerobic muscular activity and body temperature similar to that of homoiothermic animals. The base of chemical thermoregulation in birds and mammals is a thermoregulatory muscle tonus which remains unknown. One can suppose that during evolution of birds and mammals the saltation-liked origin of endothermy "fixed" the level of metabolism typical for running reptile and transformed in into the basal metabolism. This event took place at the cell and tissue level. The absence of palaeontological evidences and intermediate forms among recent species does not allow easy understanding of homoiothermy origin.

A large aberrant stem ichthyosauriform indicating early rise and demise of ichthyosauromorphs in the wake of the end-Permian extinction

PubMed Central

Jiang, Da-Yong; Motani, Ryosuke; Huang, Jian-Dong; Tintori, Andrea; Hu, Yuan-Chao; Rieppel, Olivier; Fraser, Nicholas C.; Ji, Cheng; Kelley, Neil P.; Fu, Wan-Lu; Zhang, Rong

2016-01-01

Contrary to the fast radiation of most metazoans after the end-Permian mass extinction, it is believed that early marine reptiles evolved slowly during the same time interval. However, emerging discoveries of Early Triassic marine reptiles are questioning this traditional view. Here we present an aberrant basal ichthyosauriform with a hitherto unknown body design that suggests a fast radiation of early marine reptiles. The new species is larger than coeval marine reptiles and has an extremely small head and a long tail without a fluke. Its heavily-built body bears flattened and overlapping gastral elements reminiscent of hupehsuchians. A phylogenetic analysis places the new species at the base of ichthyosauriforms, as the sister taxon of Cartorhynchus with which it shares a short snout with rostrally extended nasals. It now appears that ichthyosauriforms evolved rapidly within the first one million years of their evolution, in the Spathian (Early Triassic), and their true diversity has yet to be fully uncovered. Early ichthyosauromorphs quickly became extinct near the Early-Middle Triassic boundary, during the last large environmental perturbation after the end-Permian extinction involving redox fluctuations, sea level changes and volcanism. Marine reptile faunas shifted from ichthyosauromorph-dominated to sauropterygian-dominated composition after the perturbation. PMID:27211319

Isolation and proteomic analysis of Chlamydomonas centrioles.

PubMed

Keller, Lani C; Marshall, Wallace F

2008-01-01

Centrioles are barrel-shaped cytoskeletal organelles composed of nine triplet microtubules blades arranged in a pinwheel-shaped array. Centrioles are required for recruitment of pericentriolar material (PCM) during centrosome formation, and they act as basal bodies, which are necessary for the outgrowth of cilia and flagella. Despite being described over a hundred years ago, centrioles are still among the most enigmatic organelles in all of cell biology. To gain molecular insights into the function and assembly of centrioles, we sought to determine the composition of the centriole proteome. Here, we describe a method that allows for the isolation of virtually "naked" centrioles, with little to no obscuring PCM, from the green alga, Chlamydomonas. Proteomic analysis of this material provided evidence that multiple human disease gene products encode protein components of the centriole, including genes involved in Meckel syndrome and Oral-Facial-Digital syndrome. Isolated centrioles can be used in combination with a wide variety of biochemical assays in addition to being utilized as a source for proteomic analysis.

Remodeling Cildb, a popular database for cilia and links for ciliopathies

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background New generation technologies in cell and molecular biology generate large amounts of data hard to exploit for individual proteins. This is particularly true for ciliary and centrosomal research. Cildb is a multi–species knowledgebase gathering high throughput studies, which allows advanced searches to identify proteins involved in centrosome, basal body or cilia biogenesis, composition and function. Combined to localization of genetic diseases on human chromosomes given by OMIM links, candidate ciliopathy proteins can be compiled through Cildb searches. Methods Othology between recent versions of the whole proteomes was computed using Inparanoid and ciliary high throughput studies were remapped on these recent versions. Results Due to constant evolution of the ciliary and centrosomal field, Cildb has been recently upgraded twice, with new species whole proteomes and new ciliary studies, and the latter version displays a novel BioMart interface, much more intuitive than the previous ones. Conclusions This already popular database is designed now for easier use and is up to date in regard to high throughput ciliary studies. PMID:25422781

Proximity to Delivery Alters Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Metabolism in Pregnant Mice.

PubMed

Musial, Barbara; Fernandez-Twinn, Denise S; Vaughan, Owen R; Ozanne, Susan E; Voshol, Peter; Sferruzzi-Perri, Amanda N; Fowden, Abigail L

2016-04-01

In late pregnancy, maternal insulin resistance occurs to support fetal growth, but little is known about insulin-glucose dynamics close to delivery. This study measured insulin sensitivity in mice in late pregnancy at day 16 (D16) and near term at D19. Nonpregnant (NP) and pregnant mice were assessed for metabolite and hormone concentrations, body composition by DEXA, tissue insulin signaling protein abundance by Western blotting, glucose tolerance and utilization, and insulin sensitivity using acute insulin administration and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with [(3)H]glucose infusion. Whole-body insulin resistance occurred in D16 pregnant dams in association with basal hyperinsulinemia, insulin-resistant endogenous glucose production, and downregulation of several proteins in hepatic and skeletal muscle insulin signaling pathways relative to NP and D19 values. Insulin resistance was less pronounced at D19, with restoration of NP insulin concentrations, improved hepatic insulin sensitivity, and increased abundance of hepatic insulin signaling proteins. At D16, insulin resistance at whole-body, tissue, and molecular levels will favor fetal glucose acquisition, while improved D19 hepatic insulin sensitivity will conserve glucose for maternal use in anticipation of lactation. Tissue sensitivity to insulin, therefore, alters differentially with proximity to delivery in pregnant mice, with implications for human and other species. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

Emerging Role of Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin in Glucocorticoid-Driven Metabolic Disorders.

PubMed

Moisan, Marie-Pierre; Castanon, Nathalie

2016-01-01

Glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) are critical for survival since they ensure the energy supply necessary to the body in an ever challenging environment. GCs are known to act on appetite, glucose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and storage. However, to be beneficial to the body, GC levels should be maintained in an optimal window of concentrations. Not surprisingly, conditions of GC excess or deficiency, e.g., Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease, are associated with severe alterations of energy metabolism. Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), through its high specific affinity for GCs, plays a critical role in regulating plasma GC levels and their access to target cells. Genetic studies in various species including humans have revealed that CBG is the major factor influencing interindividual genetic variability of plasma GC levels, both in basal and stress conditions. Some, but not all, of these genetic studies have also provided data linking CBG levels to body composition and insulin levels. The examination of CBG-deficient mice submitted to hyperlipidic diets unveiled specific roles for CBG in lipid storage and metabolism. An influence of CBG on appetite has not been reported but remains to be more finely analyzed. Finally, only male mice have been examined under high-fat diet, while obesity is affecting women even more than men. Overall, a role of CBG in GC-driven metabolic disorders is emerging in recent studies. Although subtle, the influence of CBG in these diseases could open the way to new therapeutic interventions since CBG is easily accessible in the blood.

The effect of ligand efficacy on the formation and stability of a GPCR-G protein complex

PubMed Central

Yao, Xiao Jie; Vélez Ruiz, Gisselle; Whorton, Matthew R.; Rasmussen, Søren G. F.; DeVree, Brian T.; Deupi, Xavier; Sunahara, Roger K.; Kobilka, Brian

2009-01-01

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate the majority of physiologic responses to hormones and neurotransmitters. However, many GPCRs exhibit varying degrees of agonist-independent G protein activation. This phenomenon is referred to as basal or constitutive activity. For many of these GPCRs, drugs classified as inverse agonists can suppress basal activity. There is a growing body of evidence that basal activity is physiologically relevant, and the ability of a drug to inhibit basal activity may influence its therapeutic properties. However, the molecular mechanism for basal activation and inhibition of basal activity by inverse agonists is poorly understood and difficult to study, because the basally active state is short-lived and represents a minor fraction of receptor conformations. Here, we investigate basal activation of the G protein Gs by the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) by using purified receptor reconstituted into recombinant HDL particles with a stoichiometric excess of Gs. The β2AR is site-specifically labeled with a small, environmentally sensitive fluorophore enabling direct monitoring of agonist- and Gs-induced conformational changes. In the absence of an agonist, the β2AR and Gs can be trapped in a complex by enzymatic depletion of guanine nucleotides. Formation of the complex is enhanced by the agonist isoproterenol, and it rapidly dissociates on exposure to concentrations of GTP and GDP found in the cytoplasm. The inverse agonist ICI prevents formation of the β2AR-Gs complex, but has little effect on preformed complexes. These results provide insights into G protein-induced conformational changes in the β2AR and the structural basis for ligand efficacy. PMID:19470481

Seasonal changes in pancreatic B-cell function in euthermic yellow-bellied marmots.

PubMed

Florant, G L; Lawrence, A K; Williams, K; Bauman, W A

1985-08-01

Fasting plasma insulin (PI) and glucose (PG) concentrations were measured throughout the body weight cycle of marmots. Animals gained weight during summer, and in late fall body weight peaked, after which they ceased feeding. Each month euthermic animals were injected intra-arterially with either dextrose (500 mg/kg) or porcine insulin (0.1 U/kg), and blood samples were collected over the subsequent 2 h. During weight gain fasting PI concentration and pancreatic B-cell response to injected dextrose increased markedly. Maximal insulin release to a dextrose challenge was measured during peak body weight or when body weight initially began to decline. The PG concentration after exogenous insulin administration was slight (less than 10%) in the fall but increased approximately 25% in the spring after marmots lost weight. Basal PG levels were not significantly different throughout the year. Basal fasting PI concentrations were significantly higher during the fall (P less than 0.01). It is suggested that in the fall, when marmots are obese, hyperinsulinemia and peripheral insulin resistance appear. Furthermore, in two animals with an increase in body weight of approximately 30% or less over the summer, peripheral resistance was demonstrable, albeit not as marked as in animals that appropriately doubled their body weights when given food ad libitum. Thus we hypothesize that factors other than adiposity, i.e., food intake, central nervous system input to the pancreatic B-cell, and/or changes in B-cell sensitivity to PG, may contribute to the observed peripheral insulin resistance and may be involved in body weight regulation.

Oscillatory fluid flow influences primary cilia and microtubule mechanics.

PubMed

Espinha, Lina C; Hoey, David A; Fernandes, Paulo R; Rodrigues, Hélder C; Jacobs, Christopher R

2014-07-01

Many tissues are sensitive to mechanical stimuli; however, the mechanotransduction mechanism used by cells remains unknown in many cases. The primary cilium is a solitary, immotile microtubule-based extension present on nearly every mammalian cell which extends from the basal body. The cilium is a mechanosensitive organelle and has been shown to transduce fluid flow-induced shear stress in tissues, such as the kidney and bone. The majority of microtubules assemble from the mother centriole (basal body), contributing significantly to the anchoring of the primary cilium. Several studies have attempted to quantify the number of microtubules emanating from the basal body and the results vary depending on the cell type. It has also been shown that cellular response to shear stress depends on microtubular integrity. This study hypothesizes that changing the microtubule attachment of primary cilia in response to a mechanical stimulus could change primary cilia mechanics and, possibly, mechanosensitivity. Oscillatory fluid flow was applied to two different cell types and the microtubule attachment to the ciliary base was quantified. For the first time, an increase in microtubules around primary cilia both with time and shear rate in response to oscillatory fluid flow stimulation was demonstrated. Moreover, it is presented that the primary cilium is required for this loading-induced cellular response. This study has demonstrated a new role for the cilium in regulating alterations in the cytoplasmic microtubule network in response to mechanical stimulation, and therefore provides a new insight into how cilia may regulate its mechanics and thus the cells mechanosensitivity. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Centrin protein and genes in Trichomonas vaginalis and close relatives.

PubMed

Brugerolle, G; Bricheux, G; Coffe, G

2000-01-01

Anti-centrin monoclonal antibodies 20H5 and 11B2 produced against Clamydomononas centrin decorated the group of basal bodies as well as very closely attached structures in all trichomonads studied and in the devescovinids Foaina and Devescovina. Moreover, these antibodies decorated the undulating membrane in Trichomonas vaginalis, Trichomitus batrachorum, and Tritrichomonas foetus, and the cresta in Foaina. Centrin was not demonstrated in the dividing spindle and paradesmosis. Immunogold labeling, both in pre- and post-embedding, confirmed that centrin is associated with the basal body cylinder and is a component of the nine anchoring arms between the terminal plate of flagellar bases and the plasma-membrane. Centrin is also associated with the hook-shaped fibers attached to basal bodies (F1, F3), the X-fiber, and along sigmoid fibers (F2) at the pelta-axostyle junction, which is the microtubule organizing center for pelta-axostyle microtubules. There was no labeling on the striated costa and parabasal fibers nor on microtubular pelta-axostyle, but the fibrous structure inside the undulating membrane was labeled in T. vaginalis. Two proteins of 22-20 kDa corresponding to the centrin molecular mass were recognized by immunoblotting using these antibodies in the three trichomonad species examined. By screening a T. vaginalis cDNA library with 20H5 antibody, two genes encoding identical protein sequences were found. The sequence comprises the 4 typical EF-hand Ca++-binding domains present in every known centrin. Trichomonad centrin is closer to the green algal cluster (70% identity) than to the yeast Cdc31 cluster (55% identity) or the Alveolata cluster (46% identity).

Mutations in ARL2BP, Encoding ADP-Ribosylation-Factor-Like 2 Binding Protein, Cause Autosomal-Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa

PubMed Central

Davidson, Alice E.; Schwarz, Nele; Zelinger, Lina; Stern-Schneider, Gabriele; Shoemark, Amelia; Spitzbarth, Benjamin; Gross, Menachem; Laxer, Uri; Sosna, Jacob; Sergouniotis, Panagiotis I.; Waseem, Naushin H.; Wilson, Robert; Kahn, Richard A.; Plagnol, Vincent; Wolfrum, Uwe; Banin, Eyal; Hardcastle, Alison J.; Cheetham, Michael E.; Sharon, Dror; Webster, Andrew R.

2013-01-01

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous retinal degeneration characterized by photoreceptor death, which results in visual failure. Here, we used a combination of homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing to identify mutations in ARL2BP, which encodes an effector protein of the small GTPases ARL2 and ARL3, as causative for autosomal-recessive RP (RP66). In a family affected by RP and situs inversus, a homozygous, splice-acceptor mutation, c.101−1G>C, which alters pre-mRNA splicing of ARLBP2 in blood RNA, was identified. In another family, a homozygous c.134T>G (p.Met45Arg) mutation was identified. In the mouse retina, ARL2BP localized to the basal body and cilium-associated centriole of photoreceptors and the periciliary extension of the inner segment. Depletion of ARL2BP caused cilia shortening. Moreover, depletion of ARL2, but not ARL3, caused displacement of ARL2BP from the basal body, suggesting that ARL2 is vital for recruiting or anchoring ARL2BP at the base of the cilium. This hypothesis is supported by the finding that the p.Met45Arg amino acid substitution reduced binding to ARL2 and caused the loss of ARL2BP localization at the basal body in ciliated nasal epithelial cells. These data demonstrate a role for ARL2BP and ARL2 in primary cilia function and that this role is essential for normal photoreceptor maintenance and function. PMID:23849777

Body weight and basal metabolic rate in childhood narcolepsy: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Wang, Zongwen; Wu, Huijuan; Stone, William S; Zhuang, Jianhua; Qiu, Linli; Xu, Xing; Wang, Yan; Zhao, Zhengqing; Han, Fang; Zhao, Zhongxin

2016-09-01

The aims of this study were to document the trajectory of weight gain and body mass index (BMI) in children with type 1 narcolepsy, and to analyze basal metabolic rate (BMR). A total of 65 Chinese children with type 1 narcolepsy with a disease duration ≤12 months were included. In addition, 79 healthy age-matched students were enrolled as controls. Height and body weight were measured every six months for up to 36 months to calculate BMI growth. BMR was measured using COSMED K4b2 indirect calorimetry in 34 patients and 30 healthy controls at six months. At the end of 36 months, the BMR was compared among 18 patients and 16 healthy controls. The children with type 1 narcolepsy showed higher BMIs at follow-up assessments. At the end of the study, 38.46% of the patients were obese and an additional 26.15% were overweight. The patients' BMI growth at six, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months of follow-up was significantly higher, but not at month 36. The patients' basal energy expenditure was significantly lower than that of the controls at six months but not at 36 months. BMI increased rapidly in children with type 1 narcolepsy after disease onset, but BMI growth decreased gradually with prolonged disease. Decreased BMR is an important cause underlying rapid weight gain. The gradual restoration of BMI growth and BMR in narcolepsy emphasizes the importance of compensatory metabolic mechanisms in this disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Repeated immobilization stress increases uncoupling protein 1 expression and activity in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Gao, Bihu; Kikuchi-Utsumi, Kazue; Ohinata, Hiroshi; Hashimoto, Masaaki; Kuroshima, Akihiro

2003-06-01

Repeat immobilization-stressed rats are leaner and have improved cold tolerance due to enhancement of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. This process likely involves stress-induced sympathetic nervous system activation and adrenocortical hormone release, which dynamically enhances and suppresses uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) function, respectively. To investigate whether repeated immobilization influences UCP1 thermogenic properties, we assessed UCP1 mRNA, protein expression, and activity (GDP binding) in BAT from immobilization-naive or repeatedly immobilized rats (3 h daily for 4 weeks) and sham operated or adrenalectomized (ADX) rats. UCP1 properties were assessed before (basal) and after exposure to 3 h of acute immobilization. Basal levels of GDP binding and UCP1 expression was significantly increased (140 and 140%) in the repeated immobilized group. Acute immobilization increased GDP binding in both naive (180%) and repeated immobilized groups (220%) without changing UCP1 expression. In ADX rats, basal GDP binding and UCP1 gene expression significantly increased (140 and 110%), and acute immobilization induced further increase. These data demonstrate that repeated immobilization resulted in enhanced UCP1 function, suggesting that enhanced BAT thermogenesis contributes to lower body weight gain through excess energy loss and an improved ability to maintain body temperature during cold exposure.

Forage and sugar in dairy calves' starter diet and their interaction on performance, weaning age and rumen fermentation.

PubMed

Beiranvand, H; Ghorbani, G R; Khorvash, M; Kazemi-Bonchenari, M

2014-06-01

The effects of sugar and forage inclusion in calves' starter and their interaction on animal performance and rumen fermentation parameters were investigated. Twenty-eight neonatal Holstein male calves 3 days of age with average body weights of 42 ± 4 kg were allocated to four different treatments. All calves were fed a similar basal diet consisting of milk and concentrate. The experimental treatments were: (i) basal diet with no supplementation (Control, hereafter designated by C), (ii) basal diet plus 5% granular sugar cane (Sugar, designated by S), (iii) basal diet plus 5% forage (Forage, designated by F) and (iv) basal diet plus 5% forage with 5% granular sugar cane (F × S). Supplement ingredients were used on a dry matter (DM) basis. Rumen fluid parameters were measured twice on days 35 and 70 of the study period. The calves were weaned when they could consume 1 kg of starter for three consecutive days. The results show that starter intake was not affected by treatment; however, the lowest ADG was observed with calves in the sugar treatment. Weaning age was affected by treatments, and forage showed to reduce milk consumption period down to its shortest. Forage-sugar interaction was found to have no effects on animal performance. The structural body indices as well as the health status of the calves were similar in different treatments. Rumen pH did not differ among the treatment groups. Among the rumen parameters, total VFA concentration and molar proportions of butyrate and propionate did not exhibit any significant differences among the treatments. However, ruminal acetate concentration decreased in calves that fed sugar cane during the early weeks of the study period. Comparison of forage and sugar included in the starter diets revealed that forage reduced weaning age, while sugar cane had a negative effect on calves' performance. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Synthesis of kaolinite-filled EPDM rubber composites by solution intercalation: structural characterization and studies on mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ginil Mon, S.; Jaya Vinse Ruban, Y.; Vetha Roy, D.

2011-09-01

In the large field of nanotechnology, polymer matrix-based nanocomposites have become a prominent area of current research and development. Exfoliated clay-based nanocomposites have dominated the polymer world with excellent characteristics. EPDM rubber composites have been synthesized by solution-intercalation using the easily available kaolinite as filler. The composite structure has been elucidated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform IR, and scanning electron microscope studies. The molecular level dispersion of clay layers has been verified by the disappearance of basal XRD peak of kaolinite in the EPDM/kaolinite composites. The mechanical properties showed significant improvement of EPDM/kaolinite composites with respect to neat EPDM.

The development of IoT based BBT charting and monitoring using ThingSpeak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazed, Muhammad Syukri Mohd; Mahmud, Farhanahani

2017-01-01

Family planning is necessary for individual and couples to manage their desired number of children or spacing timing of their births. Fertility can be planned by using Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) or others like medicine. FAM is a natural family planning method that based on body signs changes during each menstrual cycle in response to the hormones that cause ovulation. This method allows a woman to know their ovulation time using the ovulation chart by plotting body temperature at the exact time every day in the early morning. This method requires a device to measure basal body temperature (BBT) and a chart to plot the temperature every morning, which is a tedious way of charting. Therefore, through this research, a BBT monitoring system has been developed using Arduino Yun Mini and ThingSpeak as the Internet of Things (IoT) platform in order to create a medium of sharing information for fertility monitoring and consultation purposes; where the data management and control can be done conveniently through the internet with secured environment. While the basal body temperature measurement has been done using a fast response time 503 ET-3H NTC thermistor-type temperature sensor from Semitec Corporation and the BBT data are successfully charted and monitored through the ThingSpeak.

Human Body Odour Composites Are Not Perceived More Positively than the Individual Samples.

PubMed

Fialová, Jitka; Sorokowska, Agnieszka; Roberts, S Craig; Kubicová, Lydie; Havlíček, Jan

2018-01-01

It is well established that composite facial images are perceived as more attractive compared with individual images, suggesting a preference for heterozygosity. Similarly, there is evidence that preferences for body odours might be linked to heterozygosity. Here, we tested whether blending individual body odours into composites would follow a similar pattern as observed in the perception of faces. We collected axillary odour samples from 38 individuals, which were subsequently assessed individually and as composites of two ( N  = 19) or four ( N  = 9) body odours regarding their pleasantness, attractiveness and intensity. We found no significant differences between mean ratings of individual odour samples or composites of two or four odour samples. Our results indicate that, in contrast to faces, composite body odours are not rated as more attractive. Composite body odours retain similar hedonic perceptual qualities as individual odours, thus highlighting differences in visual and chemosensory perceptual mechanisms.

Human Body Odour Composites Are Not Perceived More Positively than the Individual Samples

PubMed Central

Fialová, Jitka; Sorokowska, Agnieszka; Roberts, S. Craig; Kubicová, Lydie; Havlíček, Jan

2018-01-01

It is well established that composite facial images are perceived as more attractive compared with individual images, suggesting a preference for heterozygosity. Similarly, there is evidence that preferences for body odours might be linked to heterozygosity. Here, we tested whether blending individual body odours into composites would follow a similar pattern as observed in the perception of faces. We collected axillary odour samples from 38 individuals, which were subsequently assessed individually and as composites of two (N = 19) or four (N = 9) body odours regarding their pleasantness, attractiveness and intensity. We found no significant differences between mean ratings of individual odour samples or composites of two or four odour samples. Our results indicate that, in contrast to faces, composite body odours are not rated as more attractive. Composite body odours retain similar hedonic perceptual qualities as individual odours, thus highlighting differences in visual and chemosensory perceptual mechanisms. PMID:29770184

Effects of Supplementing Organic Micro-minerals and Methionine during the Rearing Phase of Replacement Gilts on Lameness, Growth, and Body Composition.

PubMed

Fabà, Lluís; Gasa, Josep; Tokach, Mike D; Varella, Evelia; Solà-Oriol, David

2018-05-15

Lameness is a primary reason for culling and mortality within a sow herd. This study evaluated the impact of feeding organic trace minerals and methionine (Met) to growing gilts (134 d) on lameness, performance, body composition and claw health (to first parity), productivity (to second parity), and reproductive performance through 2 parities. Young gilts [28.8 ± 8.8 kg of body weight (BW), n = 360] were BW blocked (10 gilts/pen) and randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: control (CON, basal diet); CON plus organic minerals (MIN, at 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg of Cu, Mn and Zn, respectively; Aplomotec Plus, Tecnología & Vitaminas, S.L, Alforja, Spain); additional Met (MET, at 102% Met: Lys); and MET plus MIN (MM). Feed was provided ad libitum. Lameness, BW and body composition were measured 7 times during rearing, at gilt service, d 109 of gestation, and first weaning. Gilts fed the MM diet had lower average daily feed intake (5.1%) and final BW (2.1%) than CON gilts (P < 0.05); whereas MIN and MET were intermediate and not different from each other. Similarly, final backfat (BF) was greatest in CON (P < 0.05), whilst CON and MIN increased final loin depth compared with MM (P < 0.05) with MET not being different. During rearing, 7.7% of all gilts presented lameness, which appeared between 106.8 and 129.7 kg BW confidence interval. Gilts that had been or were lame had reduced BW and average daily gain compared with never lame gilts (P < 0.05). Lameness during rearing was highest (P < 0.01) in gilts fed CON diet (14.8%), with no differences amongst MIN (2.0%), MET (5.3%), or MM (6.5%). In the sow herd, 21% of sows showed lameness and 24% of those were associated with claw lesions. At weaning, gilts fed CON diet had highest (P < 0.01) prevalence of lameness (20.8%) with no differences amongst MIN (6.5%), MET (11.1%), or MM (7.6%). Over the first 2 parities, 27.3% of gilts were culled. On farm lameness was associated with 0.7 more stillborn piglets (P < 0.10), 1 mm more BF loss in first lactation (P < 0.05), and increased weaning-to-estrus by 3 d (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lameness during rearing was decreased by supplementing organic trace minerals, methionine, and their combination; which also reduced lameness during lactation.

Body composition analysis: Cellular level modeling of body component ratios.

PubMed

Wang, Z; Heymsfield, S B; Pi-Sunyer, F X; Gallagher, D; Pierson, R N

2008-01-01

During the past two decades, a major outgrowth of efforts by our research group at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital is the development of body composition models that include cellular level models, models based on body component ratios, total body potassium models, multi-component models, and resting energy expenditure-body composition models. This review summarizes these models with emphasis on component ratios that we believe are fundamental to understanding human body composition during growth and development and in response to disease and treatments. In-vivo measurements reveal that in healthy adults some component ratios show minimal variability and are relatively 'stable', for example total body water/fat-free mass and fat-free mass density. These ratios can be effectively applied for developing body composition methods. In contrast, other ratios, such as total body potassium/fat-free mass, are highly variable in vivo and therefore are less useful for developing body composition models. In order to understand the mechanisms governing the variability of these component ratios, we have developed eight cellular level ratio models and from them we derived simplified models that share as a major determining factor the ratio of extracellular to intracellular water ratio (E/I). The E/I value varies widely among adults. Model analysis reveals that the magnitude and variability of each body component ratio can be predicted by correlating the cellular level model with the E/I value. Our approach thus provides new insights into and improved understanding of body composition ratios in adults.

Composition, biomass, and overstory spatial patterns in a mature pine-hardwood stand in southeastern Arkansas

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg

2013-01-01

A 1.21-ha plot was established in a mature pine–hardwood forest (Hyatt’s Woods) along a low stream terrace in southeastern Arkansas. Compositionally, this stand had considerable arboreal richness, with 26 different tree species ≥9 cm in diameter. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) contributed 42% of the stand’s 37.1 m²/ha of basal area;...

The composite water and solute transport of barley (Hordeum vulgare) roots: effect of suberized barriers

PubMed Central

Ranathunge, Kosala; Kim, Yangmin X.; Wassmann, Friedrich; Kreszies, Tino; Zeisler, Viktoria

2017-01-01

Abstract Background and Aims Roots have complex anatomical structures, and certain localized cell layers develop suberized apoplastic barriers. The size and tightness of these barriers depend on the growth conditions and on the age of the root. Such complex anatomical structures result in a composite water and solute transport in roots. Methods Development of apoplastic barriers along barley seminal roots was detected using various staining methods, and the suberin amounts in the apical and basal zones were analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectometry (GC-MS). The hydraulic conductivity of roots (Lpr) and of cortical cells (Lpc) was measured using root and cell pressure probes. Key Results When grown in hydroponics, barley roots did not form an exodermis, even at their basal zones. However, they developed an endodermis. Endodermal Casparian bands first appeared as ‘dots’ as early as at 20 mm from the apex, whereas a patchy suberin lamellae appeared at 60 mm. The endodermal suberin accounted for the total suberin of the roots. The absolute amount in the basal zone was significantly higher than in the apical zone, which was inversely proportional to the Lpr. Comparison of Lpr and Lpc suggested that cell to cell pathways dominate for water transport in roots. However, the calculation of Lpr from Lpc showed that at least 26 % of water transport occurs through the apoplast. Roots had different solute permeabilities (Psr) and reflection coefficients (σsr) for the solutes used. The σsr was below unity for the solutes, which have virtually zero permeability for semi-permeable membranes. Conclusions Suberized endodermis significantly reduces Lpr of seminal roots. The water and solute transport across barley roots is composite in nature and they do not behave like ideal osmometers. The composite transport model should be extended by adding components arranged in series (cortex, endodermis) in addition to the currently included components arranged in parallel (apoplastic, cell to cell pathways). PMID:28065927

Body composition and skeletal health: too heavy? Too thin?

PubMed

Faje, Alexander; Klibanski, Anne

2012-09-01

The relationship between body composition and skeletal metabolism has received growing recognition. Low body weight is an established risk factor for fracture. The effect of obesity on skeletal health is less well defined. Extensive studies in patients with anorexia nervosa and obesity have illuminated many of the underlying biologic mechanisms by which body composition modulates bone mass. This review examines the relationship between body composition and bone mass through data from recent research studies throughout the weight spectrum ranging from anorexia nervosa to obesity.

The effect of diet, exercise, and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene on food intake, body composition, and carcass energy levels in virgin female BALB/c mice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lane, Helen W.; Keith, Robert E.; Strahan, Susan; White, Marguerite T.

1991-01-01

The effects of diet, exercise, and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), a mammary-tumor carcinogen, on food intake, energy consumption, body weight, and body composition in virgin female BALB/c mice are investigated. Diet, exercise, and DMBA all had pronounced effects on energy consumption, which in turn affected body composition. These treatments may influence manifestations of breast cancer via their effects on body composition.

A hyper-robust sauropodomorph dinosaur ilium from the Upper Triassic-Lower Jurassic Elliot Formation of South Africa: Implications for the functional diversity of basal Sauropodomorpha

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPhee, Blair W.; Choiniere, Jonah N.

2016-11-01

It has generally been held that the locomotory habits of sauropodomorph dinosaurs moved in a relatively linear evolutionary progression from bipedal through "semi-bipedal" to the fully quadrupedal gait of Sauropoda. However, there is now a growing appreciation of the range of locomotory strategies practiced amongst contemporaneous taxa of the latest Triassic and earliest Jurassic. Here we present on the anatomy of a hyper-robust basal sauropodomorph ilium from the Late Triassic-Early Jurassic Elliot Formation of South Africa. This element, in addition to highlighting the unexpected range of bauplan diversity throughout basal Sauropodomorpha, also has implications for our understanding of the relevance of "robusticity" to sauropodomorph evolution beyond generalized limb scaling relationships. Possibly representing a unique form of hindlimb stabilization during phases of bipedal locomotion, the autapomorphic morphology of this newly rediscovered ilium provides additional insight into the myriad ways in which basal Sauropodomorpha managed the inherited behavioural and biomechanical challenges of increasing body-size, hyper-herbivory, and a forelimb primarily adapted for use in a bipedal context.

DISTAG/TBCCd1 Is Required for Basal Cell Fate Determination in Ectocarpus[OPEN

PubMed Central

Godfroy, Olivier; Uji, Toshiki; Nagasato, Chikako; Colin, Sebastien; Mignerot, Laure; Motomura, Taizo

2017-01-01

Brown algae are one of the most developmentally complex groups within the eukaryotes. As in many land plants and animals, their main body axis is established early in development, when the initial cell gives rise to two daughter cells that have apical and basal identities, equivalent to shoot and root identities in land plants, respectively. We show here that mutations in the Ectocarpus DISTAG (DIS) gene lead to loss of basal structures during both the gametophyte and the sporophyte generations. Several abnormalities were observed in the germinating initial cell in dis mutants, including increased cell size, disorganization of the Golgi apparatus, disruption of the microtubule network, and aberrant positioning of the nucleus. DIS encodes a TBCCd1 protein, which has a role in internal cell organization in animals, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and trypanosomes. Our study highlights the key role of subcellular events within the germinating initial cell in the determination of apical/basal cell identities in a brown alga and emphasizes the remarkable functional conservation of TBCCd1 in regulating internal cell organization across extremely distant eukaryotic groups. PMID:29208703

Association between Human Body Composition and Periodontal Disease.

PubMed

Salekzamani, Yagoub; Shirmohammadi, Adileh; Rahbar, Mohammad; Shakouri, Seyed-Kazem; Nayebi, Farough

2011-01-01

Obesity in humans might increase the risk of periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between body composition of males and their periodontal status. AS total of 150 males (aged 30-60) were selected: 31 were periodontally healthy, 45 had gingivitis, 39 had initial periodontitis, and 35 suffered from established periodontitis. BMI (body mass index), WC (waist circumference), and body composition parameters (consisting of body water, body fat, and skeletal muscle and bone mass) were measured. After adjusting for age, history of diabetes, smoking, physical activity status, and socioeconomic status, statistically significant correlations were found between periodontitis and BMI, WC, and body composition. There was only a statistically significant difference between the periodontal health and established periodontitis; that is, periodontal disease in mild forms (gingivitis) and initial periodontitis do not influence these variables (BMI, WC, and body composition parameters) and only the severe form of the disease influences the variables. These data suggest that there is a considerable association between severe forms of periodontal disease in males and their body composition, but this preliminary finding needs to be confirmed in more extensive studies.

Evaluation of morphological indices and total body electrical conductivity to assess body composition in big brown bats

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pearce, R.D.; O'Shea, T.J.; Wunder, B.A.

2008-01-01

Bat researchers have used both morphological indices and total body electric conductivity (TOBEC) as proxies for body condition in a variety of studies, but have typically not validated these indices against direct measurement of body composition. We quantified body composition (total carcass lipids) to determine if morphological indices were useful predictors of body condition in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). We also evaluated body composition indirectly by TOBEC using EM-SCAN?? technology. The most important predictors of body composition in multiple regression analysis were body mass-to-forearm ratio (partial r2 = 0.82, P < 0.001) followed by TOBEC measurement (partial r2 = 0.08, P < 0.001) and to a minor extent head length (partial r2 = 0.02, P < 0.05). Morphological condition indices alone may be adequate for some studies because of lower cost and effort. Marking bats with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags affected TOBEC measurements. ?? Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS.

Toward Body Composition Reference Data for Infants, Children, and Adolescents123

PubMed Central

Wells, Jonathan C. K.

2014-01-01

Growth charts for weight and height have provided the basis for assessment of children’s nutritional status for over half a century, with charts for body mass index (BMI) introduced in the 1990s. However, BMI does not provide information on the proportions of fat and lean mass; and within the past decade, growth charts for children’s body composition have been produced by using techniques such as skinfold thicknesses, body circumferences, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). For public health research, BIA and skinfold thicknesses show negligible average bias but have wider limits of agreement than specialized techniques. For patients, DXA is the best individual method, but multicomponent models remain ideal because they address perturbations in lean mass composition. Data can be expressed in age- and sex-specific SD scores, in some cases adjusting for height. Most such reference data derive from high-income countries, but techniques such as air-displacement plethysmography allow infant body composition growth charts to be developed in low- and middle-income settings, where the data may improve understanding of the effects of low birth weight, wasting, and stunting on body composition. Recent studies suggest that between-population variability in body composition may derive in part from genetic factors, suggesting a universal human body composition reference may not be viable. Body composition growth charts may be extended into adult life to evaluate changes in fat and lean mass through the entire life course. These reference data will improve the understanding of the association between growth, body composition, health, and disease. PMID:24829484

Toward body composition reference data for infants, children, and adolescents.

PubMed

Wells, Jonathan C K

2014-05-01

Growth charts for weight and height have provided the basis for assessment of children's nutritional status for over half a century, with charts for body mass index (BMI) introduced in the 1990s. However, BMI does not provide information on the proportions of fat and lean mass; and within the past decade, growth charts for children's body composition have been produced by using techniques such as skinfold thicknesses, body circumferences, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). For public health research, BIA and skinfold thicknesses show negligible average bias but have wider limits of agreement than specialized techniques. For patients, DXA is the best individual method, but multicomponent models remain ideal because they address perturbations in lean mass composition. Data can be expressed in age- and sex-specific SD scores, in some cases adjusting for height. Most such reference data derive from high-income countries, but techniques such as air-displacement plethysmography allow infant body composition growth charts to be developed in low- and middle-income settings, where the data may improve understanding of the effects of low birth weight, wasting, and stunting on body composition. Recent studies suggest that between-population variability in body composition may derive in part from genetic factors, suggesting a universal human body composition reference may not be viable. Body composition growth charts may be extended into adult life to evaluate changes in fat and lean mass through the entire life course. These reference data will improve the understanding of the association between growth, body composition, health, and disease. © 2014 American Society for Nutrition.

Clinical aspects of leptin.

PubMed

Sinha, M K; Caro, J F

1998-01-01

Hyperleptinemia is an essential feature of human obesity. Total body fat mass > % body fat > BMI are the best predictors of circulating leptin levels. Although ob gene is differentially expressed in different fat compartments, apart from total body fat, upper or lower body adiposity or visceral fat does not influence basal leptin levels. Similarly, age, basal glucose levels, and ethnicity do not influence circulating leptin levels. Only in insulin-sensitive individuals do basal levels of insulin and leptin correlate positively even after factoring in body fat. Diabetes does not influence leptin secretion in both lean and obese subjects per se. Independent of adiposity, leptin levels are higher in women than in men. This sexual dimorphism is also present in adolescent children. In eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimea nervosa, leptin levels are not upregulated but simply reflect BMI and probably body fat. In spite of strong correlation between body fat and leptin levels, there is great heterogeneity in leptin levels at any given index of body fat. About 5% of obese populations can be regarded as "relatively" leptin deficient which could benefit from leptin therapy. Leptin has dual regulation in human physiology. During the periods of weight maintenance, when energy intake and energy output are equal, leptin levels reflect total bodyfat mass. However, in conditions of negative (weight-loss programs) and positive (weight-gain programs) energy balances, the changes in leptin levels function as a sensor of energy imbalance. This latter phenomenon is best illustrated by short-term fasting and overfeeding experiments. Within 24 h of fasting leptin levels decline to approximately 30% of initial basal values. Massive overfeeding over a 12-h period increases leptin levels by approximately 50% of initial basal values. Meal ingestion does not acutely regulate serum leptin levels. A few studies have shown a modest increase in leptin secretion at supraphysiological insulin concentrations 4-6 h following insulin infusion. Under in vitro conditions, insulin stimulates leptin production only after four days in primary cultures of human adipocytes, which is apparently due to its trophic effects and an increased fat-cell size. Similar to other hormones, leptin secretion shows circadian rhythm and oscillatory pattern. The nocturnal rise of leptin secretion is entrained to mealtime probably due to cumulative hyperinsulinemia of the entire day. Like other growth factors and cytokines, leptin binding proteins including soluble leptin receptor are present in human serum. In lean subjects, the majority of leptin circulates in the bound form whereas in obese subjects, the majority of leptin is present in the free form. When free-leptin levels are compared between lean and obese subjects, even more pronounced hyperleptinemia in obesity is observed than that reported by measuring total leptin levels. During short-term fasting, free-leptin levels in lean subjects decrease in much greater proportion than those in obese subjects. In lean subjects with a relatively small energy store and particularly during food deprivation, leptin circulating predominantly in the bound form could be the mechanism to restrict its availability to hypothalamic leptin receptors for inhibiting leptin's effect on food intake and/or energy metabolism. Unlike marked changes in serum leptin, CSF leptin is only modestly increased in obese subjects and the CSF leptin/serum leptin ratio decreases logarithmically with increasing BMI. If CSF leptin levels are any indication of brain interstitial fluid levels, then hypothalami of obese subjects are not exposed to abnormally elevated leptin concentrations. In the presence of normal leptin receptor (functional long form, i.e., OB-Rb) mRNA expression and in the absence of leptin receptor gene mutations, it is logical to assume defective leptin signaling and/or impaired affector system(s) are the likely causes of leptin resistance in

Synergistic effect of scaffold composition and dynamic culturing environment in multilayered systems for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Márcia T; Martins, Albino; Dias, Isabel R; Viegas, Carlos A; Neves, Nuno M; Gomes, Manuela E; Reis, Rui L

2012-11-01

Bone extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of mineralized collagen fibrils which support biological apatite nucleation that participates in bone outstanding properties. Understanding and mimicking bone morphological and physiological parameters at a biological scale is a major challenge in tissue engineering scaffolding. Using emergent (nano)technologies scaffold designing may be critically improved, enabling highly functional tissue substitutes for bone applications. This study aims to develop novel biodegradable composite scaffolds of tricalcium phosphate (TCPs) and electrospun nanofibers of poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL), combining TCPs osteoconductivity with PCL biocompatibility and elasticity, mimicking bone structure and composition. We hypothesized that scaffolds with such structure/composition would stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) towards the osteogenic phenotype. Composite scaffolds, developed by electrospining using consecutive stacked layers of PCL and TCPs, were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy. Cellular behavior was assessed in goat BMSCs seeded onto composite scaffolds and cultured in static or dynamic conditions, using basal or osteogenic media during 7, 14 or 21 days. Cellular proliferation was quantified and osteogenic differentiation confirmed by alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining and immunocytochemistry for osteocalcin and collagen I. Results suggest that PCL-TCP scaffolds provide a 3D support for gBMSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation with production of ECM. TCPs positively stimulate the osteogenic process, especially under dynamic conditions, where PCL-TCP scaffolds are sufficient to promote osteogenic differentiation even in basal medium conditions. The enhancement of the osteogenic potential in dynamic conditions evidences the synergistic effect of scaffold composition and dynamic stimulation in gBMSCs osteogenic differentiation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Improved chemically defined basal medium (CMRL-1969) for primary monkey kidney and human diploid cells.

PubMed

Healy, G M; Teleki, S; von Seefried, A; Walton, M J; Macmorine, H G

1971-01-01

An improved tissue culture basal medium, CMRL-1969, supplemented with serum, has been evaluated by measuring the growth responses of primary cultures of trypsin-dispersed monkey kidney cells (PMKC) and of an established culture of a human diploid cell strain (HDCS). Medium H597, an early modification of medium 199 which has been used successfully in the preparation of poliomyelitis vaccine for 15 years, was used for comparison. In addition, parallel testing was done with Basal Medium Eagle (BME) widely used for the growth of HDCS. The improvements in basal medium CMRL-1969 are attributed to changes in amino acid concentrations, in vitamin composition, and, in particular, to enhanced buffering capacity. The latter has been achieved by the use of free-base amino acids and by increasing the dibasic sodium phosphate. The new medium has already been used to advantage for the production of polioviruses in PMKC where equivalent titers were obtained from cultures initiated with 70% of the number of cells required with earlier media. The population-doubling time was reduced in this system. Also, with small inocula of HDCS, the time required to obtain maximum cell yield was shorter with CMRL-1969 than with BME. Both media were supplemented with 10% calf serum. Maximum cell yields after repeated subcultivation in the new basal medium were greatly increased and the stability of the strain, as shown by chromosomal analysis, was not affected. Basal medium CMRL-1969 can be prepared easily in liquid or powdered form.

Ethnic differences in body composition and their relation to health and disease in women.

PubMed

Gasperino, J

1996-12-01

Differences in body composition between black and white women have been well established. Black women have more bone and muscle mass, but less fat, as a percentage of body weight, than white women, after controlling for ethnic differences in age, body weight, and height. In addition, black women have more upper-body fat than white women. These ethnic differences in body composition appear to be associated with disease risk in women. The greater skeletal and muscle mass in black compared to white women appears to protect them from osteoporosis. The relationship between fat distribution and cardiovascular disease also appears to be influenced by ethnicity. This review has two purposes: (1) To examine previous research investigating ethnic differences in body composition between black and white women; and (2) To demonstrate the relationship between body composition and disease in women as a function of ethnicity.

Forms of n-3 (ALA, C18:3n-3 or DHA, C22:6n-3) Fatty Acids Affect Carcass Yield, Blood Lipids, Muscle n-3 Fatty Acids and Liver Gene Expression in Lambs.

PubMed

Ponnampalam, Eric N; Lewandowski, Paul A; Fahri, Fahri T; Burnett, Viv F; Dunshea, Frank R; Plozza, Tim; Jacobs, Joe L

2015-11-01

The effects of supplementing diets with n-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on plasma metabolites, carcass yield, muscle n-3 fatty acids and liver messenger RNA (mRNA) in lambs were investigated. Lambs (n = 120) were stratified to 12 groups based on body weight (35 ± 3.1 kg), and within groups randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: basal diet (BAS), BAS with 10.7 % flaxseed supplement (Flax), BAS with 1.8 % algae supplement (DHA), BAS with Flax and DHA (FlaxDHA). Lambs were fed for 56 days. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and day 56, and plasma analysed for insulin and lipids. Lambs were slaughtered, and carcass traits measured. At 30 min and 24 h, liver and muscle samples, respectively, were collected for determination of mRNA (FADS1, FADS2, CPT1A, ACOX1) and fatty acid composition. Lambs fed Flax had higher plasma triacylglycerol, body weight, body fat and carcass yield compared with the BAS group (P < 0.001). DHA supplementation increased carcass yield and muscle DHA while lowering plasma insulin compared with the BAS diet (P < 0.01). Flax treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle ALA concentration, while DHA treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle DHA concentration. Liver mRNA FADS2 was higher and CPT1A lower in the DHA group (P < 0.05). The FlaxDHA diet had additive effects, including higher FADS1 and ACOX1 mRNA than for the Flax or DHA diet. In summary, supplementation with ALA or DHA modulated plasma metabolites, muscle DHA, body fat and liver gene expression differently.

Non-zero Δ33S preserved in rocks from the Basal Ultramafic Sequence indicate crustal contamination in the most primitive magma of the Rustenburg Layered Suite (Bushveld Complex, South Africa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magalhaes, N.; Wilson, A.; Penniston-Dorland, S.; Farquhar, J.

2017-12-01

The sulfur isotope composition of the Rustenburg Layered Suite (RLS) of the Bushveld Complex is different than expected from a magma sourced from the mantle (Δ33S=0), as measurements indicate the presence of an Archean surface-derived sulfur component. The Basal Ultramafic Sequence (BUS) is thought to be the most primitive magma of the RLS, as it is the lowest in the stratigraphy, has the highest Mg# (>0.92) for primary phases (olivine and orthopyroxene), and is in direct contact with the Magaliesberg quartzite of the Pretoria Group.We have measured the composition of sulfides in rocks from the Lower Zone, Marginal Zone, and the BUS, which were sampled in a 2300m drill core from the Clapham area, in the eastern Bushveld Complex. While the rocks of the Lower Zone have a relatively homogeneous non-zero Δ33S of 0.065‰, comparable to previous findings, there is an abrupt increase in the value of Δ33S (up to +0.301‰) in the Marginal Zone, which may be consistent with the observation in hand sample of assimilation of country rocks. The BUS also shows a surface-derived signal (average of 0.040‰), which is the lowest measured for any zone of the RLS.The non-zero Δ33S found in the Basal Ultramafic Sequence is evidence of the contamination of the magma with surface-derived material. In the upper parts of the intrusion, the Δ33S signature relates to whole-rock Sr and Nd isotopes, and their relationship suggests multiple sources of contamination. However, the relationship between sulfur and in-situ strontium isotope compositions (plagioclase) in this section of the RLS is not as clear as it is further up in the stratigraphy. This might reflect small-scale processes during the magmatic chamber stage, different compositions of local wall rock compared to deeper contaminants, or the presence of decoupled behavior between the isotope systems.These differences in the sulfur isotope composition between the different stratigraphic layers have been preserved regardless of any late magmatic processes that may have occurred, which further supports that the sulfur isotope composition of the RLS was not fully homogenized at a later stage by fluid migration.

Fossilized skin reveals coevolution with feathers and metabolism in feathered dinosaurs and early birds.

PubMed

McNamara, Maria E; Zhang, Fucheng; Kearns, Stuart L; Orr, Patrick J; Toulouse, André; Foley, Tara; Hone, David W E; Rogers, Chris S; Benton, Michael J; Johnson, Diane; Xu, Xing; Zhou, Zhonghe

2018-05-25

Feathers are remarkable evolutionary innovations that are associated with complex adaptations of the skin in modern birds. Fossilised feathers in non-avian dinosaurs and basal birds provide insights into feather evolution, but how associated integumentary adaptations evolved is unclear. Here we report the discovery of fossil skin, preserved with remarkable nanoscale fidelity, in three non-avian maniraptoran dinosaurs and a basal bird from the Cretaceous Jehol biota (China). The skin comprises patches of desquamating epidermal corneocytes that preserve a cytoskeletal array of helically coiled α-keratin tonofibrils. This structure confirms that basal birds and non-avian dinosaurs shed small epidermal flakes as in modern mammals and birds, but structural differences imply that these Cretaceous taxa had lower body heat production than modern birds. Feathered epidermis acquired many, but not all, anatomically modern attributes close to the base of the Maniraptora by the Middle Jurassic.

Zinc pharmacokinetic parameters in the determination of body zinc status in children.

PubMed

Vale, S H L; Leite, L D; Alves, C X; Dantas, M M G; Costa, J B S; Marchini, J S; França, M C; Brandão-Neto, J

2014-02-01

Serum or tissue zinc concentrations are often used to assess body zinc status. However, all of these methods are relatively inaccurate. Thus, we investigated three different kinetic methods for the determination of zinc clearance to establish which of these could detect small changes in the body zinc status of children. Forty apparently healthy children were studied. Renal handling of zinc was investigated during intravenous zinc administration (0.06537 mg Zn/kg of body weight), both before and after oral zinc supplementation (5 mg Zn/day for 3 months). Three kinetic methods were used to determine zinc clearance: CZn-Formula A and CZn-Formula B were both used to calculate systemic clearance; the first is a general formula and the second is used for the specific analysis of a single-compartment model; CZn-Formula C is widely used in medical practices to analyze kinetic routine. Basal serum zinc values, which were within the reference range for healthy children, increased significantly after oral zinc supplementation. The three formulas used gave different results for zinc clearance both before and after oral zinc supplementation. CZn-Formula B showed a positive correlation with basal serum zinc concentration after oral supplementation (R2=0.1172, P=0.0306). In addition, CZn-Formula B (P=0.0002) was more effective than CZn-Formula A (P=0.6028) and CZn-Formula C (P=0.0732) in detecting small variations in body zinc status. All three of the formulas used are suitable for studying zinc kinetics; however, CZn-Formula B is particularly effective at detecting small changes in body zinc status in healthy children.

Perinatal BPA exposure alters body weight and composition in a dose specific and sex specific manner: The addition of peripubertal exposure exacerbates adverse effects in female mice

PubMed Central

Rubin, Beverly S.; Paranjpe, Maneesha; DaFonte, Tracey; Schaeberle, Cheryl; Soto, Ana M.; Obin, Martin; Greenberg, Andrew S.

2017-01-01

Body weight (BW) and body composition were examined in CD-1 mice exposed perinatally or perinatally and peripubertally to 0, 0.25, 2.5, 25, or 250 μg BPA/kg BW/day. Our goal was to identify the BPA dose (s) and the exposure window(s) that increased BW and adiposity, and to assess potential sex differences in this response. Both perinatal exposure alone and perinatal plus peripubertal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of BPA resulted in lasting effects on body weight and body composition. The effects were dose specific and sex specific and were influenced by the precise window of BPA exposure. The addition of peripubertal BPA exposure following the initial perinatal exposure exacerbated adverse effects in the females but appeared to reduce differences in body weight and body composition between control and BPA exposed males. Some effects of BPA on body weight and body composition showed a non-linear dose response. PMID:27496714

Body composition in elderly people: effect of criterion estimates on predictive equations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baumgartner, R.N.; Heymsfield, S.B.; Lichtman, S.

1991-06-01

The purposes of this study were to determine whether there are significant differences between two- and four-compartment model estimates of body composition, whether these differences are associated with aqueous and mineral fractions of the fat-free mass (FFM); and whether the differences are retained in equations for predicting body composition from anthropometry and bioelectric resistance. Body composition was estimated in 98 men and women aged 65-94 y by using a four-compartment model based on hydrodensitometry, {sup 3}H{sub 2}O dilution, and dual-photon absorptiometry. These estimates were significantly different from those obtained by using Siri's two-compartment model. The differences were associated significantly (Pmore » less than 0.0001) with variation in the aqueous fraction of FFM. Equations for predicting body composition from anthropometry and resistance, when calibrated against two-compartment model estimates, retained these systematic errors. Equations predicting body composition in elderly people should be calibrated against estimates from multicompartment models that consider variability in FFM composition.« less

Infiltrated carbon foam composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucas, Rick D. (Inventor); Danford, Harry E. (Inventor); Plucinski, Janusz W. (Inventor); Merriman, Douglas J. (Inventor); Blacker, Jesse M. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

An infiltrated carbon foam composite and method for making the composite is described. The infiltrated carbon foam composite may include a carbonized carbon aerogel in cells of a carbon foam body and a resin is infiltrated into the carbon foam body filling the cells of the carbon foam body and spaces around the carbonized carbon aerogel. The infiltrated carbon foam composites may be useful for mid-density ablative thermal protection systems.

Methods of flash sintering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raj, Rishi; Cologna, Marco; Francis, John S.

2016-05-10

This disclosure provides methods of flash sintering and compositions created by these methods. Methods for sintering multilayered bodies are provided in which a sintered body is produced in less than one minute. In one aspect, each layer is of a different composition, and may be constituted wholly from a ceramic or from a combination of ceramic and metallic particles. When the body includes a layer of an anode composition, a layer of an electrolyte composition and a layer of a cathode composition, the sintered body can be used to produce a solid oxide fuel cell.

Body composition among Sri Lankan infants by 18*O dilution method and the validity of anthropometric equations to predict body fat against 18*O dilution

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Body composition indicators provide a better guidance for growth and nutritional status of the infants. This study was designed to (1) measure the body composition of the Sri Lankan infants using a reference method, the 18*O dilution method; (2) calculate the body fat content of the infants using pu...

Tapanuli Organoclay Addition Into Linear Low Density Polyethylene-Pineapple Fiber Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adawiyah, Robiatul; Juwono, Ariadne L.; Roseno, Seto

2010-12-01

Linear low density polyethylene-Tapanuli organoclay-pineapple fiber composites were succesfully synthesized by a melt intercalation method. The clay was modified as an organoclay by a cation exchange reaction using hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMABr) surfactant. The X-ray diffraction results of the organoclay exhibited a higher basal spacing of 1.87 nm compared to the unmodified clay of 1.46 nm. The composite tensile strength was enhanced up to 46.4% with the 1 wt% organoclay addition. Both tensile and flexural moduli increased up to 150.6% and 43% with the 3 wt% organoclay addition to the composites. However, the flexural strength of the composites was not improved with the organoclay addition. The addition of organoclay has also decreased the heat deflection temperature of the composites.

Morphology and morphometrics of Heterodorus qinghaiensis n. sp. (Dorylaimida, Nordiidae) from soil samples in China.

PubMed

Wu, W J; Yan, L; Xu, C L; Yu, L; Wang, K; Jin, S Y; Xie, H

2016-07-01

One new species of the family Nordiidae Jairajpuri & Siddiqi, 1964 from the enclosure grassland of Qinghai Province, China, Heterodorus qinghaiensis n. sp., is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by the slender body, 1.29-1.46 mm in length; the granular lateral chord with numerous large depression plaques throughout its entirety; the lip region offset by a distinct depression; amphid goblet-shaped with aperture about half to two-thirds of corresponding body diameter; odontostyle 11-13 μm long; rod-like odontophore without basal flanges; pharyngeal basal expansion about one-third of the total neck length; didelphic genital system containing sperm; ovaries generally not reaching the sphincter level; vulva transversed and sclerotized; female tail conoid with round terminus; 3-5 spaced ventromedial supplements and spicule 32-41 μm long. It is close to H. liangi (Ahmad, Wu & Shaheen, 2002) Andrássy, 2009, H. brevidentatus (Thorne, 1939) Andrássy, 2009, H. monticola Andrássy, 2011, H. morgensis (Loof, 1988) Andrássy, 2009 and H. meghalayensis (Mushtaq, Baniyamuddin & Ahmad, 2007) Andrássy, 2009 in having inconspicuous or no lateral body pores, smaller odontostyle and ventrally curved tail.

The contribution of ketone bodies to basal and activity-dependent neuronal oxidation in vivo

PubMed Central

Chowdhury, Golam MI; Jiang, Lihong; Rothman, Douglas L; Behar, Kevin L

2014-01-01

The capacity of ketone bodies to replace glucose in support of neuronal function is unresolved. Here, we determined the contributions of glucose and ketone bodies to neocortical oxidative metabolism over a large range of brain activity in rats fasted 36 hours and infused intravenously with [2,4-13C2]-D-β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Three animal groups and conditions were studied: awake ex vivo, pentobarbital-induced isoelectricity ex vivo, and halothane-anesthetized in vivo, the latter data reanalyzed from a recent study. Rates of neuronal acetyl-CoA oxidation from ketone bodies (VacCoA-kbN) and pyruvate (VpdhN), and the glutamate-glutamine cycle (Vcyc) were determined by metabolic modeling of 13C label trapped in major brain amino acid pools. VacCoA-kbN increased gradually with increasing activity, as compared with the steeper change in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle rate (VtcaN), supporting a decreasing percentage of neuronal ketone oxidation: ∼100% (isoelectricity), 56% (halothane anesthesia), 36% (awake) with the BHB plasma levels achieved in our experiments (6 to 13 mM). In awake animals ketone oxidation reached saturation for blood levels >17 mM, accounting for 62% of neuronal substrate oxidation, the remainder (38%) provided by glucose. We conclude that ketone bodies present at sufficient concentration to saturate metabolism provides full support of basal (housekeeping) energy needs and up to approximately half of the activity-dependent oxidative needs of neurons. PMID:24780902

The contribution of ketone bodies to basal and activity-dependent neuronal oxidation in vivo.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Golam M I; Jiang, Lihong; Rothman, Douglas L; Behar, Kevin L

2014-07-01

The capacity of ketone bodies to replace glucose in support of neuronal function is unresolved. Here, we determined the contributions of glucose and ketone bodies to neocortical oxidative metabolism over a large range of brain activity in rats fasted 36 hours and infused intravenously with [2,4-(13)C₂]-D-β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Three animal groups and conditions were studied: awake ex vivo, pentobarbital-induced isoelectricity ex vivo, and halothane-anesthetized in vivo, the latter data reanalyzed from a recent study. Rates of neuronal acetyl-CoA oxidation from ketone bodies (V(acCoA-kbN)) and pyruvate (V(pdhN)), and the glutamate-glutamine cycle (V(cyc)) were determined by metabolic modeling of (13)C label trapped in major brain amino acid pools. V(acCoA-kbN) increased gradually with increasing activity, as compared with the steeper change in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle rate (V(tcaN)), supporting a decreasing percentage of neuronal ketone oxidation: ∼100% (isoelectricity), 56% (halothane anesthesia), 36% (awake) with the BHB plasma levels achieved in our experiments (6 to 13 mM). In awake animals ketone oxidation reached saturation for blood levels >17 mM, accounting for 62% of neuronal substrate oxidation, the remainder (38%) provided by glucose. We conclude that ketone bodies present at sufficient concentration to saturate metabolism provides full support of basal (housekeeping) energy needs and up to approximately half of the activity-dependent oxidative needs of neurons.

Effect of dietary vitamin C on the growth performance and innate immunity of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum).

PubMed

Zhou, Qicun; Wang, Ligai; Wang, Hualang; Xie, Fengjun; Wang, Tuo

2012-06-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin C on growth performance, hematologic parameters and innate immune responses in juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum. Seven practical diets were formulated to contain 0.0 (as the basal diet), 13.6, 27.2, 54.4, 96.6, 193.4 and 386.5 mg ascorbic acid equivalent kg(-1) diet. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of juvenile cobia with initial body weight of 5.5 g in 500-L cylindrical fiberglass tank. The results of 8 weeks feeding trial showed that typical vitamin C-deficient signs such as spinal deformation and body nigrescence were observed in the fish fed the basal diet. Fish fed the basal diet had significantly lower weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed efficiency (FE) than those fed the diets supplemented with vitamin C, but no significant differences were observed among diets supplemented with vitamin C. However, survival rate was significantly affected by the dietary vitamin C levels, fish fed the basal diet had lower survival rate than those fed the diets supplemented with vitamin C. The ascorbic acid concentration in liver was correlated positively with the dietary vitamin C levels, however, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations in liver was not significantly affected by the dietary vitamin C levels, although, fish fed the basal diet had the highest TBARS values among all treatments. The activities of serum lysozyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phophatase (AKP) and total immunoglobulin (Ig) were significantly influenced by the dietary vitamin C levels, fish fed the basal diet had lower lysozyme, SOD, AKP and total Ig than those fed diets supplemented with vitamin C. The serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations were significantly affected by the dietary vitamin C levels. Fish fed the basal diet had lower red blood cell and hemoglobin values than those fed the vitamin C supplemented diets. The challenge experiment with Vibrio harveyi showed that lower cumulative survival was in fish fed the unsupplemented diet, the cumulative survival were significantly increased with increase of the dietary ascorbic acid levels from 13.6 to 96.6 mg kg(-1), while the cumulative survival reached plateau when dietary ascorbic acid levels increased from 96.6 to 386.5 mg kg(-1). These results indicated that dietary vitamin C did significantly influence on growth performance and immune response of juvenile cobia. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Growth hormone improves body composition and motor development in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome after six months.

PubMed

Whitman, Barbara; Carrel, Aaron; Bekx, Tracy; Weber, Colleen; Allen, David; Myers, Susan

2004-04-01

Infants with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) show abnormalities of body composition. Children with PWS treated with growth hormone (GH) demonstrate improved body composition and motor skills. To assess body composition and motor changes in infants with PWS following 6 months GH therapy. Twenty-five infants with PWS (mean age 15.5 mo) underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) assessment of body composition, and motor assessment with the Toddler Infant Motor Evaluation (TIME). Patients were then randomized to treatment (Genotropin, 1 mg/m2/day) or control, with reassessment at 6 months. GH treatment significantly increased lean body mass (6.4 +/- 2.4 kg to 8.9 +/- 2.7 kg) and decreased body fat (27.6 +/- 9.9% to 22.4 +/- 10.3%). Age equivalent motor scores improved 4 months in the treated group vs 2 months in controls (p < 0.01). Infants with PWS show significant body composition and motor development improvement following 6 months GH therapy. We are investigating whether this improvement leads to long-term reductions in obesity.

Raman spectral, elemental, crystallinity, and oxygen-isotope variations in conodont apatite during diagenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Cao, Ling; Zhao, Laishi; Algeo, Thomas J.; Chen, Zhong-Qiang; Li, Zhihong; Lv, Zhengyi; Wang, Xiangdong

2017-08-01

Conodont apatite has long been used in paleoenvironmental studies, often with minimal evaluation of the influence of diagenesis on measured elemental and isotopic signals. In this study, we evaluate diagenetic influences on conodonts using an integrated set of analytical techniques. A total of 92 points in 19 coniform conodonts from Ordovician marine units of South China were analyzed by micro-laser Raman spectroscopy (M-LRS), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), high-resolution X-ray microdiffraction (HXRD), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Each conodont element was analyzed along its full length, including the albid crown, hyaline crown, and basal body, in either a whole specimen (i.e., reflecting the composition of its outer layer) or a split specimen (i.e., reflecting the composition of its interior). In the conodonts of this study, the outer surfaces consist of hydroxyfluorapatite and the interiors of strontian hydroxyfluorapatite. Ionic substitutions resulted in characteristic Raman spectral shifts in the position (SS1) and width (SS2) of the ν1-PO43- stretching band. Although multiple elements were enriched (Sr2+, Mg2+) and depleted (Fe3+, Mn2+, Ca2+) during diagenesis, geochemical modeling constraints and known Raman spectral patterns suggest that Sr uptake was the dominant influence on diagenetic redshifts of SS1. All study specimens show lower SS2 values than modern bioapatite and synthetic apatite, suggesting that band width decreases with time in ancient bioapatite, possibly through an annealing process that produces larger, more uniform crystal domains. Most specimens consist mainly of amorphous or poorly crystalline apatite, which is inferred to represent the original microstructure of conodonts. In a subset of specimens, some tissues (especially albid crown) exhibit an increased degree of crystallinity developed through aggrading neomorphism. However, no systematic relationship was observed between crystallinity and Raman spectral or elemental parameters. Oxygen isotopes show substantial variation within the conodont study specimens. Albid crown is on average 0.28-0.32‰ more depleted in 18O (equivalent to 1.2-1.4 °C higher temperatures) than hyaline crown and basal body, and the interiors of conodont elements are 1.08 ± 0.37‰ more depleted in 18O (equivalent to 3.0-6.4 °C higher temperatures) relative to their outer layers. Although albid crown is widely regarded as better preserved than other conodont tissue types, its 18O-depleted composition and greater development of secondary crystallinity suggest that, in fact, it may be the most strongly altered tissue type. We conclude that Raman spectral, LA elemental, and HXRD microstructural data can provide useful information about the extent of diagenetic alteration of conodont elements, and that such information should be taken into consideration in using conodont elemental and oxygen-isotope data in paleoenvironmental studies.

Exceptional longevity and exceptionally high metabolic rates in anthropoid primates are linked to a major modification of the ubiquinone reduction site of cytochrome b.

PubMed

Rottenberg, Hagai

2014-10-01

The maximal lifespan of Anthropoid primates (monkeys, apes and humans) exceed the lifespan of most other mammals of equal body mass. Unexpectedly, their exceptional longevity is associated with exceptionally high metabolic rates, in apparent contradiction to the Free Radical Theory of Aging. It was therefore suggested that in anthropoid primates (and several other taxa of mammals and birds) the mitochondrial electron transport complexes evolved to modify the relationship between basal electron transport and superoxide generation to allow for the evolution of exceptional longevity. Cytochrome b, the core protein of the bc1 complex is a major source of superoxide. The amino-acid sequence of cytochrome b evolved much faster in anthropoid than in prosimian primates, and most other mammals, resulting in a large change in the amino-acids composition of the protein. As a result of these changes cytochrome b in anthropoid primates is significantly less hydrophobic and contains more polar residues than other primates and most other mammals. Most of these changes are clustered around the reduction site of uboiquinone. In particular a key positively charged residue, arginine 313, that interacts with propionate D of heme bH, and thus raises its redox potential, is substituted in anthropoid primates with the neutral residue glutamine, most likely resulting in a lower redox potential of heme bH and faster reduction of ubiquinone at high proton motive force. It is suggested that these changes contribute to the observed increased rates of basal metabolism and reduce the rates of superoxide production, thus allowing for increased lifespan.

Emotional Support, Depressive Symptoms, and Age-Related Alterations in Male Body Composition: Cross-Sectional Findings from the Men's Health 40+ Study

PubMed Central

Walther, Andreas; Philipp, Michel; Lozza, Niclà; Ehlert, Ulrike

2017-01-01

More depressive symptoms and low emotional support have been related to worse body composition. Body composition significantly deteriorates in aging men. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether high emotional support and low depressive symptoms are associated with better body composition and a decelerated age-related deterioration of body composition in aging men. A cross-sectional analysis including 269 self-reporting healthy men aged between 40 and 75 years living in the German-speaking part of Switzerland was conducted. Participants completed questionnaires on emotional support and depressive symptoms. The depression screening instrument was used to form a group with low (N = 225) and moderate (N = 44) depressive symptoms. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured, and cell proportion (CP), fat mass (FM), and water balance (WB) were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Age-related associations emerged for WHR, CP, FM, and WB, but not for BMI. Emotional support was negatively associated with BMI, WHR, and WB, and only trend-wise with CP and FM. Group comparisons revealed that more depressive symptoms were associated with lower levels of CP and higher levels of WB. Both emotional support and depressive symptoms were significant moderators of the association between age and specific measures of body composition such as CP, FM, and WB. However, after correction for multiple testing for moderation analyses only the moderation effects of depressive symptoms on the association between age and WB and CP remained significant. Low depressive symptoms were associated with a better body composition as well as a decelerated decline in body composition and the role of emotional support acting as a buffer against age-related deterioration of body composition merits further investigation. PMID:28706495

Integrated approaches to terminal Proterozoic stratigraphy: an example from the Olenek Uplift, northeastern Siberia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knoll, A. H.; Grotzinger, J. P.; Kaufman, A. J.; Kolosov, P.

1995-01-01

In the Olenek Uplift of northeastern Siberia, the Khorbusuonka Group and overlying Kessyusa and Erkeket formations preserve a significant record of terminal Proterozoic and basal Cambrian Earth history. A composite section more than 350 m thick is reconstructed from numerous exposures along the Khorbusuonka River. The Khorbusuonka Group comprises three principal sedimentary sequences: peritidal dolomites of the Mastakh Formation, which are bounded above and below by red beds; the Khatyspyt and most of the overlying Turkut formations, which shallow upward from relatively deep-water carbonaceous micrites to cross-bedded dolomitic grainstones and stromatolites; and a thin upper Turkut sequence bounded by karst surfaces. The overlying Kessyusa Formation is bounded above and below by erosional surfaces and contains additional parasequence boundaries internally. Ediacaran metazoans, simple trace fossils, and vendotaenids occur in the Khatyspyt Formation; small shelly fossils, more complex trace fossils, and acritarchs all appear near the base of the Kessyusa Formation and diversify upward. The carbon-isotopic composition of carbonates varies stratigraphically in a pattern comparable to that determined for other terminal Proterozoic and basal Cambrian successions. In concert, litho-, bio-, and chemostratigraphic data indicate the importance of the Khorbusuonka Group in the global correlation of terminal Proterozoic sedimentary rocks. Stratigraphic data and a recently determined radiometric date on basal Kessyusa volcanic breccias further underscore the significance of the Olenek region in investigations of the Proterozoic-cambrian boundary.

Integrated approaches to terminal Proterozoic stratigraphy: an example from the Olenek Uplift, northeastern Siberia.

PubMed

Knoll, A H; Grotzinger, J P; Kaufman, A J; Kolosov, P

1995-01-01

In the Olenek Uplift of northeastern Siberia, the Khorbusuonka Group and overlying Kessyusa and Erkeket formations preserve a significant record of terminal Proterozoic and basal Cambrian Earth history. A composite section more than 350 m thick is reconstructed from numerous exposures along the Khorbusuonka River. The Khorbusuonka Group comprises three principal sedimentary sequences: peritidal dolomites of the Mastakh Formation, which are bounded above and below by red beds; the Khatyspyt and most of the overlying Turkut formations, which shallow upward from relatively deep-water carbonaceous micrites to cross-bedded dolomitic grainstones and stromatolites; and a thin upper Turkut sequence bounded by karst surfaces. The overlying Kessyusa Formation is bounded above and below by erosional surfaces and contains additional parasequence boundaries internally. Ediacaran metazoans, simple trace fossils, and vendotaenids occur in the Khatyspyt Formation; small shelly fossils, more complex trace fossils, and acritarchs all appear near the base of the Kessyusa Formation and diversify upward. The carbon-isotopic composition of carbonates varies stratigraphically in a pattern comparable to that determined for other terminal Proterozoic and basal Cambrian successions. In concert, litho-, bio-, and chemostratigraphic data indicate the importance of the Khorbusuonka Group in the global correlation of terminal Proterozoic sedimentary rocks. Stratigraphic data and a recently determined radiometric date on basal Kessyusa volcanic breccias further underscore the significance of the Olenek region in investigations of the Proterozoic-cambrian boundary.

Determination of Percent Body Fat Using 3D Whole Body Laser Scanning: A Preliminary Investigation

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

S.B., Lohman, T.G., Wang, Z., and Going, S.B., 2005: Human body composition: Human Kinetics : Champaign, IL. Heyward, V.H. and Wagner, D.R...2004: Applied body composition assessment: Human Kinetics : Champaign, IL. Hodgdon, J.A., and Beckett, M.B., 1984a: Prediction of percent body fat...ethnicity. In: Human body Composition., Heymsfield, S.B., Lohman, T.G., Wang, Z., and Going, S.B (eds.). Human Kinetics : Champaign, IL. Marriott

The Correlates of Body Composition with Heart Rate Recovery after Step Test: An Exploratory Study of Malaysian Adolescents

PubMed Central

Abu Hanifah, Redzal; Mohamed, Mohd. Nahar Azmi; Jaafar, Zulkarnain; Abdul Mohsein, Nabilla Al-Sadat; Jalaludin, Muhammad Yazid; Abdul Majid, Hazreen; Murray, Liam; Cantwell, Marie; Su, Tin Tin

2013-01-01

Background In adults, heart rate recovery is a predictor of mortality, while in adolescents it is associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition measures and heart rate recovery (HRR) after step test in Malaysian secondary school students. Methods In the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team (MyHEART) study, 1071 healthy secondary school students, aged 13 years old, participated in the step test. Parameters for body composition measures were body mass index z-score, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and waist height ratio. The step test was conducted by using a modified Harvard step test. Heart rate recovery of 1 minute (HRR1min) and heart rate recovery of 2 minutes (HRR2min) were calculated by the difference between the peak pulse rate during exercise and the resting pulse rate at 1 and 2 minutes, respectively. Analysis was done separately based on gender. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the association between the HRR parameters with body composition measures, while multiple regression analysis was used to determine which body composition measures was the strongest predictor for HRR. Results For both gender groups, all body composition measures were inversely correlated with HRR1min. In girls, all body composition measures were inversely correlated with HRR2min, while in boys all body composition measures, except BMI z-score, were associated with HRR2min. In multiple regression, only waist circumference was inversely associated with HRR2min (p=0.024) in boys, while in girls it was body fat percentage for HRR2min (p=0.008). Conclusion There was an inverse association between body composition measurements and HRR among apparently healthy adolescents. Therefore, it is important to identify cardio-metabolic risk factors in adolescent as an early prevention of consequent adulthood morbidity. This reiterates the importance of healthy living which should start from young. PMID:24349388

Body composition analysis techniques in adult and pediatric patients: how reliable are they? How useful are they clinically?

PubMed

Woodrow, Graham

2007-06-01

Complex abnormalities of body composition occur in peritoneal dialysis (PD). These abnormalities reflect changes in hydration, nutrition, and body fat, and they are of major clinical significance. Clinical assessment of these body compartments is insensitive and inaccurate. Frequently, simultaneous changes of hydration, wasting, and body fat content can occur, confounding clinical assessment of each component. Body composition can be described by models of varying complexity that use one or more measurement techniques. "Gold standard" methods provide accurate and precise data, but are not practical for routine clinical use. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry allows for measurement of regional as well as whole-body composition, which can provide further information of clinical relevance. Simpler techniques such as anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis are suited to routine use in clinic or at the bedside, but may be less accurate. Body composition methodology sometimes makes assumptions regarding relationships between components, particularly in regard to hydration, which may be invalid in pathologic states. Uncritical application of these methods to the PD patient may result in erroneous interpretation of results. Understanding the foundations and limitations of body composition techniques allows for optimal application in clinical practice.

5-HT1A receptor blockade reverses GABAA receptor α3 subunit-mediated anxiolytic effects on stress-induced hyperthermia

PubMed Central

van Oorschot, Ruud; Korte, S. Mechiel; Olivier, Berend; Groenink, Lucianne

2010-01-01

Rationale Stress-related disorders are associated with dysfunction of both serotonergic and GABAergic pathways, and clinically effective anxiolytics act via both neurotransmitter systems. As there is evidence that the GABAA and the serotonin receptor system interact, a serotonergic component in the anxiolytic actions of benzodiazepines could be present. Objectives The main aim of the present study was to investigate whether the anxiolytic effects of (non-)selective α subunit GABAA receptor agonists could be reversed with 5-HT1A receptor blockade using the stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) paradigm. Results The 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (0.1–1 mg/kg) reversed the SIH-reducing effects of the non-α-subunit selective GABAA receptor agonist diazepam (1–4 mg/kg) and the GABAA receptor α3-subunit selective agonist TP003 (1 mg/kg), whereas WAY-100635 alone was without effect on the SIH response or basal body temperature. At the same time, co-administration of WAY-100635 with diazepam or TP003 reduced basal body temperature. WAY-100635 did not affect the SIH response when combined with the preferential α1-subunit GABAA receptor agonist zolpidem (10 mg/kg), although zolpidem markedly reduced basal body temperature. Conclusions The present study suggests an interaction between GABAA receptor α-subunits and 5-HT1A receptor activation in the SIH response. Specifically, our data indicate that benzodiazepines affect serotonergic signaling via GABAA receptor α3-subunits. Further understanding of the interactions between the GABAA and serotonin system in reaction to stress may be valuable in the search for novel anxiolytic drugs. PMID:20535452

Capsiate supplementation reduces oxidative cost of contraction in exercising mouse skeletal muscle in vivo.

PubMed

Yashiro, Kazuya; Tonson, Anne; Pecchi, Émilie; Vilmen, Christophe; Le Fur, Yann; Bernard, Monique; Bendahan, David; Giannesini, Benoît

2015-01-01

Chronic administration of capsiate is known to accelerate whole-body basal energy metabolism, but the consequences in exercising skeletal muscle remain very poorly documented. In order to clarify this issue, the effect of 2-week daily administration of either vehicle (control) or purified capsiate (at 10- or 100-mg/kg body weight) on skeletal muscle function and energetics were investigated throughout a multidisciplinary approach combining in vivo and in vitro measurements in mice. Mechanical performance and energy metabolism were assessed strictly non-invasively in contracting gastrocnemius muscle using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and 31-phosphorus MR spectroscopy (31P-MRS). Regardless of the dose, capsiate treatments markedly disturbed basal bioenergetics in vivo including intracellular pH alkalosis and decreased phosphocreatine content. Besides, capsiate administration did affect neither mitochondrial uncoupling protein-3 gene expression nor both basal and maximal oxygen consumption in isolated saponin-permeabilized fibers, but decreased by about twofold the Km of mitochondrial respiration for ADP. During a standardized in vivo fatiguing protocol (6-min of repeated maximal isometric contractions electrically induced at a frequency of 1.7 Hz), both capsiate treatments reduced oxidative cost of contraction by 30-40%, whereas force-generating capacity and fatigability were not changed. Moreover, the rate of phosphocreatine resynthesis during the post-electrostimulation recovery period remained unaffected by capsiate. Both capsiate treatments further promoted muscle mass gain, and the higher dose also reduced body weight gain and abdominal fat content. These findings demonstrate that, in addition to its anti-obesity effect, capsiate supplementation improves oxidative metabolism in exercising muscle, which strengthen this compound as a natural compound for improving health.

Basal Ganglia Circuits as Targets for Neuromodulation in Parkinson Disease.

PubMed

DeLong, Mahlon R; Wichmann, Thomas

2015-11-01

The revival of stereotactic surgery for Parkinson disease (PD) in the 1990s, with pallidotomy and then with high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS), has led to a renaissance in functional surgery for movement and other neuropsychiatric disorders. To examine the scientific foundations and rationale for the use of ablation and DBS for treatment of neurologic and psychiatric diseases, using PD as the primary example. A summary of the large body of relevant literature is presented on anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and functional surgery for PD and other basal ganglia disorders. The signs and symptoms of movement disorders appear to result largely from signature abnormalities in one of several parallel and largely segregated basal ganglia thalamocortical circuits (ie, the motor circuit). The available evidence suggests that the varied movement disorders resulting from dysfunction of this circuit result from propagated disruption of downstream network activity in the thalamus, cortex, and brainstem. Ablation and DBS act to free downstream networks to function more normally. The basal ganglia thalamocortical circuit may play a key role in the expression of disordered movement, and the basal ganglia-brainstem projections may play roles in akinesia and disturbances of gait. Efforts are under way to target circuit dysfunction in brain areas outside of the traditionally implicated basal ganglia thalamocortical system, in particular, the pedunculopontine nucleus, to address gait disorders that respond poorly to levodopa and conventional DBS targets. Deep brain stimulation is now the treatment of choice for many patients with advanced PD and other movement disorders. The success of DBS and other forms of neuromodulation for neuropsychiatric disorders is the result of the ability to modulate circuit activity in discrete functional domains within the basal ganglia circuitry with highly focused interventions, which spare uninvolved areas that are often disrupted with drugs.

Gastric intestinal metaplasia with basal gland atypia: a morphological and biologic evaluation in a large Chinese cohort.

PubMed

Li, Yuan; Chang, Xiaoyan; Zhou, Weixun; Xiao, Yu; Nakatsuka, Laura N; Chen, Jie; Lauwers, Gregory Y

2013-04-01

Gastric intestinal metaplasia can display cytoarchitectural atypia that falls short of qualifying for dysplasia but can be classified as indefinite for dysplasia. Yet few studies have evaluated the prevalence, the morphologic, and biologic characteristics of this variant. Out of a cohort of 554 biopsies with chronic atrophic gastritis and/or dysplasia, we categorized the cases as either (1) simple intestinal metaplasia; (2) intestinal metaplasia with hyperplasia; (3) intestinal metaplasia with basal gland atypia; and (4) gastric dysplasia. The relationship between the subtypes and various clinicopathologic features, mucin immunophenotypes, and biologic characteristics was evaluated. The final cohort consisted of 424 cases of simple intestinal metaplasia, 93 intestinal metaplasia with hyperplasia, 16 intestinal metaplasia with basal gland atypia, and 21 gastric dysplasia. Intestinal metaplasia with basal gland atypia had a prevalence of 2.8% and similar to gastric dysplasia, 3.7%. Both of these lesions were similar in body/fundus distribution (12.5%) and paucity of goblet cells (68.8%). Intestinal metaplasia with basal gland atypia and gastric dysplasia seem to share some biologic similarities but with a lower frequency of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase expression (25% versus 62%), p53 expression (6.3% versus 47.6%), and increased Ki-67 index on surface/pit and isthmus in intestinal metaplasia with basal gland atypia. Alternatively, simple intestinal metaplasia and intestinal metaplasia with hyperplasia did not differ statistically with regard to the various characteristics evaluated. We concluded that gastric intestinal metaplasia can be divided into 2 broad categories that are readily defined by cytoarchitectural and biologic characteristics. Based on the characteristics of intestinal metaplasia with basal gland atypia and in keeping with others, we confirm that this subtype could represent a preneoplastic lesion that needs further evaluation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Role of Body Fat and Fat Distribution in Hypertension Risk in Urban Black South African Women

PubMed Central

Crowther, Nigel J.; Jaff, Nicole G.; Kengne, Andre P.; Norris, Shane A.

2016-01-01

Developing countries are disproportionately affected by hypertension, with Black women being at greater risk, possibly due to differences in body fat distribution. The objectives of this study were: (1) To examine how different measures of body composition are associated with blood pressure (BP) and incident hypertension; (2) to determine the association between baseline or change in body composition, and hypertension; and (3) to determine which body composition measure best predicts hypertension in Black South African women. The sample comprised 478 non-hypertensive women, aged 29–53 years. Body fat and BP were assessed at baseline and 8.3 years later. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (n = 273) and anthropometry. Hypertension was diagnosed based on a systolic/diastolic BP ≥140/90 mmHg, or medication use at follow-up. All body composition measures increased (p<0.0001) between baseline and follow-up. SBP and DBP increased by ≥20%, resulting in a 57.1% cumulative incidence of hypertension. Both DXA- and anthropometric-derived measures of body composition were significantly associated with BP, explaining 3–5% of the variance. Baseline BP was the most important predictor of hypertension (adjusted OR: 98–123%). Measures of central adiposity were associated with greater odds (50–65%) of hypertension than total adiposity (44–45%). Only change in anthropometric-derived central fat mass predicted hypertension (adjusted OR: 32–40%). This study highlights that body composition is not a major determinant of hypertension in the sample of black African women. DXA measures of body composition do not add to hypertension prediction beyond anthropometry, which is especially relevant for African populations globally, taking into account the severely resource limited setting found in these communities. PMID:27171011

The association of clot lysis time with total obesity is partly independent from the association of PAI-1 with central obesity in African adults.

PubMed

Eksteen, Philna; Pieters, Marlien; de Lange, Zelda; Kruger, Herculina S

2015-08-01

Preliminary evidence indicates that the association of fibrinolytic potential, measured as clot lysis time (CLT), with body composition may differ from that of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1). We therefore investigated the association between fibrinolytic markers (plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 activity (PAI-1act) and CLT) and body composition using detailed body composition analyses. Data from 1288 Africans were cross-sectionally analyzed. Body composition analysis included BMI, waist circumference (WC); waist to height ratio (WHtR), skinfolds and body fat percentage measured with air-displacement plethysmography and bioelectrical impedance analysis. PAI-1act and CLT were significantly higher in women than in men, despite adjustment for differences in body composition. PAI-1act and CLT showed similar linear positive relationships with body composition (BMI, WC, WHtR, skinfolds) in men. In women CLT also showed a linear relationship with body composition, while PAI-1act levels plateaued at higher BMI and did not differ across skinfold categories. PAI-1act showed stronger correlations with body composition markers in men than it did in women, while no sex differences existed for CLT. PAI-1act associated more strongly with central obesity, while CLT associated with total body fat. Observed differences may be related to differences in adipose tissue type, distribution and sequence of accumulation between sexes. PAI-1act is strongly influenced by accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, whereas CLT is associated with obesity independent of type and sequence of body fat accumulation in this African adult study population. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Concept of optimal body composition of professional football players].

PubMed

Grigoryan, S

2011-09-01

Body composition and body weight are two of the many factors that contribute to optimal exercise performance. Body weight can influence an athlete's speed, endurance, and power, whereas body composition can affect an athlete's strength, agility, and appearance. Individualized assessment of an athlete's body composition and body weight or body image may be advantageous for the improvement of athletic performance. The purpose of the present research consists in development of physiologically proved modelling characteristic of high performance football players on the basis of the analysis of dynamics (changes) of the major parameters of structure of weight of football players of various ages in process of acquiring game experience and skill. 344 football players from 15 to 35 years old were surveyed. The basic parameters of body composition were determined. It was found that general tendency in dynamics of the basic components of structure of body composition at the end of playing season is expressed in appreciable gain of active cellular weight as analogue of the muscular mass, decrease in the absolute fat contents, increase in endocellular liquid and eritrocyte mass. Comparison of changeable parameters to external criteria of success in competition and tested productivity, adaptive reactions and stability of motivation led to the conclusion that quantitative sports-skill evaluation and forecast of the growth in achievements is possible.

Sedentary Activity and Body Composition of Middle School Girls: The Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pratt, Charlotte; Webber, Larry S.; Baggett, Chris D.; Ward, Dianne; Pate, Russell R.; Murray, David; Lohman, Timothy; Lytle, Leslie; Elder, John P.

2008-01-01

This study describes the relationships between sedentary activity and body composition in 1,458 sixth-grade girls from 36 middle schools across the United States. Multivariate associations between sedentary activity and body composition were examined with regression analyses using general linear mixed models. Mean age, body mass index, and…

Very low birth weight infants who are fed human milk have decreased body fat as assessed by air displacement plethysmography

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Methods to evaluate body composition in infants have recently been enhanced. There are few data regarding body composition in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Our objective was to evaluate body composition in VLBW infants consuming human milk or formula using novel techniques. Using air-displac...

School-Based BMI and Body Composition Screening and Parent Notification in California: Methods and Messages

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madsen, Kristine A.; Linchey, Jennifer

2012-01-01

Background: School-based body mass index (BMI) or body composition screening is increasing, but little is known about the process of parent notification. Since 2001, California has required annual screening of body composition via the FITNESSGRAM, with optional notification. This study sought to identify the prevalence of parental notification…

Clinical anthropometrics and body composition from 3D whole-body surface scans.

PubMed

Ng, B K; Hinton, B J; Fan, B; Kanaya, A M; Shepherd, J A

2016-11-01

Obesity is a significant worldwide epidemic that necessitates accessible tools for robust body composition analysis. We investigated whether widely available 3D body surface scanners can provide clinically relevant direct anthropometrics (circumferences, areas and volumes) and body composition estimates (regional fat/lean masses). Thirty-nine healthy adults stratified by age, sex and body mass index (BMI) underwent whole-body 3D scans, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography and tape measurements. Linear regressions were performed to assess agreement between 3D measurements and criterion methods. Linear models were derived to predict DXA body composition from 3D scan measurements. Thirty-seven external fitness center users underwent 3D scans and bioelectrical impedance analysis for model validation. 3D body scan measurements correlated strongly to criterion methods: waist circumference R 2 =0.95, hip circumference R 2 =0.92, surface area R 2 =0.97 and volume R 2 =0.99. However, systematic differences were observed for each measure due to discrepancies in landmark positioning. Predictive body composition equations showed strong agreement for whole body (fat mass R 2 =0.95, root mean square error (RMSE)=2.4 kg; fat-free mass R 2 =0.96, RMSE=2.2 kg) and arms, legs and trunk (R 2 =0.79-0.94, RMSE=0.5-1.7 kg). Visceral fat prediction showed moderate agreement (R 2 =0.75, RMSE=0.11 kg). 3D surface scanners offer precise and stable automated measurements of body shape and composition. Software updates may be needed to resolve measurement biases resulting from landmark positioning discrepancies. Further studies are justified to elucidate relationships between body shape, composition and metabolic health across sex, age, BMI and ethnicity groups, as well as in those with metabolic disorders.

Basal metabolic rate in women with PCOS compared to eumenorrheic controls.

PubMed

Churchill, Sara J; Wang, Erica T; Bhasin, Gaisu; Alexander, Carolyn; Bresee, Catherine; Pall, Marita; Azziz, Ricardo; Mathur, Ruchi; Pisarska, Margareta D

2015-09-01

PCOS is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Efforts have focused on whether an abnormal energy homeostasis contributes to the development of obesity in these patients. There are conflicting results in the literature regarding whether women with PCOS have an altered basal metabolic rate (BMR), thereby leading to difficulties in weight loss. The objective of this study is to compare basal metabolic rate (BMR) in women with PCOS and controls. Cross-sectional study. One hundred and twenty-eight PCOS patients diagnosed by original NIH consensus criteria and 72 eumenorrheic, non-hirsute controls were recruited from an academic medical centre. Assessment of BMR using the InBody portable bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device and insulin resistance by HOMA-IR indices. PCOS women were younger than controls. As expected, PCOS subjects had higher body mass index (BMI), serum androgens and estimated insulin resistance. After adjusting for age and BMI, there was no significant difference in BMR between PCOS subjects (adjusted mean 5807 kJ/day, 95% CI 5715-5899) and controls (adjusted mean 5916 kJ/day, 95% CI 5786-6046) (P = 0·193). BMR was also comparable in a secondary analysis comparing PCOS women with and without insulin resistance. After adjusting for age and BMI, there was no difference in BMR between PCOS women and controls. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Neuroepithelial bodies in the lung of Melanophryniscus stelzneri stelzneri (Anura, Bufonidae).

PubMed

Hermida, G N; Farías, A; Fiorito, L E

2003-12-01

Electron microscopy of the lungs of Melanophryniscus stelzneri stelzneri (Anura) revealed the presence of a complex pattern of corpuscular cells (CCs). The respiratory surface over the septa presents small areas where the CCs are grouped forming neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs). These corpuscular structures can also be localized in the inner layer of the lung wall. Although in both cases NEBs protrude slightly into the airway lumen, they are separated from the airway lumen and the basal connective tissue by thin apical and basal cytoplasmic processes of neighbouring pneumocytes. Ultrastructurally, the CCs possess a large nucleus, clear cytoplasm and vesicles of variable morphology and size, containing an electron dense material surrounded by a lucent space in some cases. The size of these dense-core vesicles (DCVs) ranged from 40 to 100 nm. The NEBs are associated with afferent and efferent terminal nerves. These types of nerve endings are located between the CCs and in the basal part of the NEBs. The location of the NEBs in strategic positions on the septa and in the wall of the lung, the presence of the DCVs in the basolateral region of the CCs, the occurrence of synaptic contacts between nerve endings and the CCs and the occurrence of capillaries close to the NEBs, suggest a receptosecretory function for NEBs in the lung of M.s. stelzneri.

Basal plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) are indicators of insulin sensitivity in cats.

PubMed

Appleton, D J; Rand, J S; Sunvold, G D

2005-06-01

The objective of this study was to compare simpler indices of insulin sensitivity with the minimal model-derived insulin sensitivity index to identify a simple and reliable alternative method for assessing insulin sensitivity in cats. In addition, we aimed to determine whether this simpler measure or measures showed consistency of association across differing body weights and glucose tolerance levels. Data from glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests performed in 32 cats with varying body weights (underweight to obese), including seven cats with impaired glucose tolerance, were used to assess the relationship between Bergman's minimal model-derived insulin sensitivity index (S(I)), and various simpler measures of insulin sensitivity. The most useful overall predictors of insulin sensitivity were basal plasma insulin concentrations and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), which is the product of basal glucose and insulin concentrations divided by 22.5. It is concluded that measurement of plasma insulin concentrations in cats with food withheld for 24 h, in conjunction with HOMA, could be used in clinical research projects and by practicing veterinarians to screen for reduced insulin sensitivity in cats. Such cats may be at increased risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Early detection of these cats would enable preventative intervention programs such as weight reduction, increased physical activity and dietary modifications to be instigated.

Basal metabolic rate of endotherms can be modeled using heat-transfer principles and physiological concepts: reply to "can the basal metabolic rate of endotherms be explained by biophysical modeling?".

PubMed

Roberts, Michael F; Lightfoot, Edwin N; Porter, Warren P

2011-01-01

Our recent article (Roberts et al. 2010 ) proposes a mechanistic model for the relation between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and body mass (M) in mammals. The model is based on heat-transfer principles in the form of an equation for distributed heat generation within the body. The model can also be written in the form of the allometric equation BMR = aM(b), in which a is the coefficient of the mass term and b is the allometric exponent. The model generates two interesting results: it predicts that b takes the value 2/3, indicating that BMR is proportional to surface area in endotherms. It also provides an explanation of the physiological components that make up a, that is, respiratory heat loss, core-skin thermal conductance, and core-skin thermal gradient. Some of the ideas in our article have been questioned (Seymour and White 2011 ), and this is our response to those questions. We specifically address the following points: whether a heat-transfer model can explain the level of BMR in mammals, whether our test of the model is inadequate because it uses the same literature data that generated the values of the physiological variables, and whether geometry and empirical values combine to make a "coincidence" that makes the model only appear to conform to real processes.

Adolescent build plotting on body composition chart and the type of diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Park, Hye Won; Kim, Yong Hyuk; Cho, Myunghyun; Kwak, Byung Ok; Kim, Kyo Sun; Chung, Sochung

2012-11-01

Although the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing, there are cases difficult to categorize into certain type in pediatric diabetic patients. The aims of this study were to detect and choose a proper treatment modality for atypical cases of diabetes mellitus, using the body composition chart. We conducted a retrospective study from August 2005 to 2012 with patients who visited Konkuk University Medical Center, and were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The medical records were reviewed for the anthropometric data and indices of body composition. The subjects were grouped by the type of diabetes and gender. We constructed a body composition chart plotting fat free mass index and fat mass index (FMI). Body mass index and all body composition indices were higher in type 2 diabetes, in each gender in analysis with Mann-Whitney test. Significant determinant of diabetes type was revealed as FMI and contributing factors on FMI were analyzed with regression analysis. Six atypical cases were identified by a body composition chart including non-obese type 2 diabetes showing suboptimal growth with lower BMI related to relatively lower insulin secretion and type 1 diabetes with insulin resistance resulted from obesity. Body composition chart analysis might be useful in characterization of diabetes type and detection of atypical cases and early adjustment of diabetes management strategy.

Paradigm Shift in Thyroid Hormone Mechanism of Action | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Thyroid hormone (TH) is one of the primary endocrine regulators of human metabolism and homeostasis. Acting through three forms of the thyroid hormone receptor (THR; alpha-1, beta-1, and beta-2), TH regulates target gene expression in nearly every cell in the body, modulating fundamental processes, such as basal metabolic rate, long bone growth, and neural maturation. TH is also essential for proper development and differentiation of all cells of the human body.

Hibernation in black bears: independence of metabolic suppression from body temperature.

PubMed

Tøien, Øivind; Blake, John; Edgar, Dale M; Grahn, Dennis A; Heller, H Craig; Barnes, Brian M

2011-02-18

Black bears hibernate for 5 to 7 months a year and, during this time, do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate. We measured metabolic rate and body temperature in hibernating black bears and found that they suppress metabolism to 25% of basal rates while regulating body temperature from 30° to 36°C, in multiday cycles. Heart rates were reduced from 55 to as few as 9 beats per minute, with profound sinus arrhythmia. After returning to normal body temperature and emerging from dens, bears maintained a reduced metabolic rate for up to 3 weeks. The pronounced reduction and delayed recovery of metabolic rate in hibernating bears suggest that the majority of metabolic suppression during hibernation is independent of lowered body temperature.

Functional Neuroanatomy for Posture and Gait Control

PubMed Central

Takakusaki, Kaoru

2017-01-01

Here we argue functional neuroanatomy for posture-gait control. Multi-sensory information such as somatosensory, visual and vestibular sensation act on various areas of the brain so that adaptable posture-gait control can be achieved. Automatic process of gait, which is steady-state stepping movements associating with postural reflexes including headeye coordination accompanied by appropriate alignment of body segments and optimal level of postural muscle tone, is mediated by the descending pathways from the brainstem to the spinal cord. Particularly, reticulospinal pathways arising from the lateral part of the mesopontine tegmentum and spinal locomotor network contribute to this process. On the other hand, walking in unfamiliar circumstance requires cognitive process of postural control, which depends on knowledges of self-body, such as body schema and body motion in space. The cognitive information is produced at the temporoparietal association cortex, and is fundamental to sustention of vertical posture and construction of motor programs. The programs in the motor cortical areas run to execute anticipatory postural adjustment that is optimal for achievement of goal-directed movements. The basal ganglia and cerebellum may affect both the automatic and cognitive processes of posturegait control through reciprocal connections with the brainstem and cerebral cortex, respectively. Consequently, impairments in cognitive function by damages in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum may disturb posture-gait control, resulting in falling. PMID:28122432

Seasonal Changes in Soccer Players' Body Composition and Dietary Intake Practices.

PubMed

Devlin, Brooke L; Kingsley, Michael; Leveritt, Michael D; Belski, Regina

2017-12-01

Devlin, BL, Kingsley, M, Leveritt, MD, and Belski, R. Seasonal changes in soccer players' body composition and dietary intake practices. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3319-3326, 2017-The aims of this study were 2-fold: to determine seasonal changes in dietary intake and body composition in elite soccer players and to evaluate the influence of self-determined individual body composition goals on dietary intake and body composition. This longitudinal, observational study assessed body composition (total mass, fat-free soft tissue mass, and fat mass) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and dietary intake (energy and macronutrients) via multiple-pass 24-hour recalls, at 4 time points over a competitive season in elite soccer players from one professional club in the Australian A-League competition. Self-reported body composition goals were also recorded. Eighteen elite male soccer players took part (25 ± 5 years, 180.5 ± 7.4 cm, 75.6 ± 6.5 kg). Majority (≥67%) reported the goal to maintain weight. Fat-free soft tissue mass increased from the start of preseason (55,278 ± 5,475 g) to the start of competitive season (56,784 ± 5,168 g; p < 0.001), and these gains were maintained until the end of the season. Fat mass decreased over the preseason period (10,072 ± 2,493 g to 8,712 ± 1,432 g; p < 0.001), but increased during the latter part of the competitive season. Dietary intake practices on training days were consistent over time and low compared with sport nutrition recommendations. The self-reported body composition goals did not strongly influence dietary intake practices or changes in body composition. This study has demonstrated that body composition changes over the course of a soccer season are subtle in elite soccer players despite relatively low self-reported intake of energy and carbohydrate.

Identification and analysis of low molecular weight dissolved organic carbon in subglacial basal ice ecosystems by ion chromatography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawson, E. C.; Wadham, J. L.; Lis, G. P.; Tranter, M.; Pickard, A. E.; Stibal, M.; Dewsbury, P.; Fitzsimons, S.

2015-08-01

Glacial runoff is an important source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for downstream heterotrophic activity, despite the low overall DOC concentrations. This is because of the abundance of bioavailable, low molecular weight (LMW) DOC species. However, the provenance and character of LMW-DOC is not fully understood. We investigated the abundance and composition of DOC in subglacial environments via a molecular level DOC analysis of basal ice, which forms by water/sediment freeze-on to the glacier sole. Spectrofluorometry and a novel ion chromatographic method, which has been little utilised in glacial science for LMW-DOC determinations, were employed to identify and quantify the major LMW fractions (free amino acids, carbohydrates and carboxylic acids) in basal ice from four glaciers, each with a different basal debris type. Basal ice from Joyce Glacier (Antarctica) was unique in that 98 % of the LMW-DOC was derived from the extremely diverse FAA pool, comprising 14 FAAs. LMW-DOC concentrations in basal ice were dependent on the bioavailability of the overridden organic carbon (OC), which in turn, was influenced by the type of overridden material. Mean LMW-DOC concentrations in basal ice from Russell Glacier (Greenland), Finsterwalderbreen (Svalbard) and Engabreen (Norway) were low (0-417 nM C), attributed to the relatively refractory nature of the OC in the overridden paleosols and bedrock. In contrast, mean LMW-DOC concentrations were an order of magnitude higher (4430 nM C) in basal ice from Joyce Glacier, a reflection of the high bioavailability of the overridden lacustrine material (>17 % of the sediment OC comprised extractable carbohydrates, a proxy for bioavailable OC). We find that the overridden material may act as a direct (via abiotic leaching) and indirect (via microbial cycling) source of DOC to the subglacial environment and provides a range of LMW-DOC compounds that may stimulate microbial activity in wet sediments in current subglacial environments.

Loss of MACF1 Abolishes Ciliogenesis and Disrupts Apicobasal Polarity Establishment in the Retina.

PubMed

May-Simera, Helen L; Gumerson, Jessica D; Gao, Chun; Campos, Maria; Cologna, Stephanie M; Beyer, Tina; Boldt, Karsten; Kaya, Koray D; Patel, Nisha; Kretschmer, Friedrich; Kelley, Matthew W; Petralia, Ronald S; Davey, Megan G; Li, Tiansen

2016-10-25

Microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) plays a role in the coordination of microtubules and actin in multiple cellular processes. Here, we show that MACF1 is also critical for ciliogenesis in multiple cell types. Ablation of Macf1 in the developing retina abolishes ciliogenesis, and basal bodies fail to dock to ciliary vesicles or migrate apically. Photoreceptor polarity is randomized, while inner retinal cells laminate correctly, suggesting that photoreceptor maturation is guided by polarity cues provided by cilia. Deletion of MACF1 in adult photoreceptors causes reversal of basal body docking and loss of outer segments, reflecting a continuous requirement for MACF1 function. MACF1 also interacts with the ciliary proteins MKKS and TALPID3. We propose that a disruption of trafficking across microtubles to actin filaments underlies the ciliogenesis defect in cells lacking MACF1 and that MKKS and TALPID3 are involved in the coordination of microtubule and actin interactions. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Multiscale Modeling of Primary Cilium Deformations Under Local Forces and Shear Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Zhangli; Feng, Zhe; Resnick, Andrew; Young, Yuan-Nan

2017-11-01

We study the detailed deformations of a primary cilium under local forces and shear flows by developing a multiscale model based on the state-of-the-art understanding of its molecular structure. Most eukaryotic cells are ciliated with primary cilia. Primary cilia play important roles in chemosensation, thermosensation, and mechanosensation, but the detailed mechanism for mechanosensation is not well understood. We apply the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) to model an entire well with a primary cilium and consider its different components, including the basal body, microtubule doublets, actin cortex, and lipid bilayer. We calibrate the mechanical properties of individual components and their interactions from experimental measurements and molecular dynamics simulations. We validate the simulations by comparing the deformation profile of the cilium and the rotation of the basal body with optical trapping experiments. After validations, we investigate the deformation of the primary cilium under shear flows. Furthermore, we calculate the membrane tensions and cytoskeleton stresses, and use them to predict the activation of mechanosensitive channels.

Two new freshwater eutardigrade species from Sicily.

PubMed

Pilato, Giovanni; Sabella, Giorgio; Lisi, Oscar

2015-02-11

Two new species of freshwater Eutardigrada are described from Sicily: Isohypsibius rusticus sp. nov. and Isohypsibius zappalai sp. nov. The former species has eye spots, ornamented body surface with many, variously sized tubercles; bucco-pharyngeal apparatus of the Isohypsibius type; pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and two rod-shaped macroplacoids; microplacoid absent; claws, of the Isohypsibius type, well developed, with long and thin common basal portion; main branches of all claws without free accessory points; very thin lunules present; cuticular bars on the legs absent. Isohypsibius zappalai sp. nov. has eye spots; entire body surface with small tubercles rounded in shape, fairly uniformly sized and tending to form transverse lines; bucco-pharyngeal apparatus of the Isohypsibius type, pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and two macroplacoids; microplacoid absent; claws of the Isohypsibius type, well developed, with long common basal portion and both main and secondary branches with a wide proximal portion. Main branches of all claws with accessory points; small, flexible lunules present; cuticular bars on the legs absent.

Flattop regulates basal body docking and positioning in mono- and multiciliated cells

PubMed Central

Gegg, Moritz; Böttcher, Anika; Burtscher, Ingo; Hasenoeder, Stefan; Van Campenhout, Claude; Aichler, Michaela; Walch, Axel; Grant, Seth G N; Lickert, Heiko

2014-01-01

Planar cell polarity (PCP) regulates basal body (BB) docking and positioning during cilia formation, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we investigate the uncharacterized gene Flattop (Fltp) that is transcriptionally activated during PCP acquisition in ciliated tissues. Fltp knock-out mice show BB docking and ciliogenesis defects in multiciliated lung cells. Furthermore, Fltp is necessary for kinocilium positioning in monociliated inner ear hair cells. In these cells, the core PCP molecule Dishevelled 2, the BB/spindle positioning protein Dlg3, and Fltp localize directly adjacent to the apical plasma membrane, physically interact and surround the BB at the interface of the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton. Dlg3 and Fltp knock-outs suggest that both cooperatively translate PCP cues for BB positioning in the inner ear. Taken together, the identification of novel BB/spindle positioning components as potential mediators of PCP signaling might have broader implications for other cell types, ciliary disease, and asymmetric cell division. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03842.001 PMID:25296022

A Conserved Role for Girdin in Basal Body Positioning and Ciliogenesis.

PubMed

Nechipurenko, Inna V; Olivier-Mason, Anique; Kazatskaya, Anna; Kennedy, Julie; McLachlan, Ian G; Heiman, Maxwell G; Blacque, Oliver E; Sengupta, Piali

2016-09-12

Primary cilia are ubiquitous sensory organelles that mediate diverse signaling pathways. Cilia position on the cell surface is determined by the location of the basal body (BB) that templates the cilium. The mechanisms that regulate BB positioning in the context of ciliogenesis are largely unknown. Here we show that the conserved signaling and scaffolding protein Girdin localizes to the proximal regions of centrioles and regulates BB positioning and ciliogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans sensory neurons and human RPE-1 cells. Girdin depletion alters localization of the intercentriolar linker and ciliary rootlet component rootletin, and rootletin knockdown in RPE-1 cells mimics Girdin-dependent phenotypes. C. elegans Girdin also regulates localization of the apical junction component AJM-1, suggesting that in nematodes Girdin may position BBs via rootletin- and AJM-1-dependent anchoring to the cytoskeleton and plasma membrane, respectively. Together, our results describe a conserved role for Girdin in BB positioning and ciliogenesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interrelated striated elements in vestibular hair cells of the rat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, M. D.; Bourne, C.

1983-01-01

A series of interrelated striated organelles in types I and II vestibular hair cells of the rat which appear to be less developed in cochlear hair cells have been revealed by unusual fixation procedures, suggesting that contractile elements may play a role in sensory transduction in the inner ear, especially in the vestibular system. Included in the series of interrelated striated elements are the cuticular plate and its basal attachments to the hair cell margins, the connections of the strut array of the kinociliary basal body to the cuticular plate, and striated organelles associated with the plasma membrane and extending below the apical junctional complexes.

Is applicable thermodynamics of negative temperature for living organisms?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atanasov, Atanas Todorov

2017-11-01

During organismal development the moment of sexual maturity can be characterizes by nearly maximum basal metabolic rate and body mass. Once the living organism reaches extreme values of the mass and the basal metabolic rate, it reaches near equilibrium thermodynamic steady state physiological level with maximum organismal complexity. Such thermodynamic systems that reach equilibrium steady state level at maximum mass-energy characteristics can be regarded from the prospective of thermodynamics of negative temperature. In these systems the increase of the internal and free energy is accompanied with decrease of the entropy. In our study we show the possibility the living organisms to regard as thermodynamic system with negative temperature

The physique and body composition of students studying physical education: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Smolarczyk, Marcin; Wiśniewski, Andrzej; Czajkowska, Anna; Kęska, Anna; Tkaczyk, Joanna; Milde, Katarzyna; Norkowski, Henryk; Gajewski, Jan; Trajdos, Adam; Majchrzak, Anna

2012-01-01

Young people who study physical education are a priori regarded as having proper body structure and body composition. This assumption cannot be confirmed in the subject literature. To determine the basic auxological parameters in youth who study physical education. 235 first-year students studying physical education were examined: 32% women (n=74) and 68% men (n=161). The students' body height, weight, waist, and hip circumference were measured. Body composition (bioimpedance method), specifying the body fat percentage (FM%) and fat free mass (FFM%) was also assessed. The mean normalized height of the female body was 0.48±1.07 SDS, and for the male body 0.51±1.04 SDS. The mean normalized weight for women was 0.4±0.94 SDS, and for men it was 0.83±0.9 SDS. The mean fat percentage in the body composition of women and men was, respectively, 21.5±5.06, ranging from 10.16% to 35.06%, and 12.5±3.97, ranging from 4.36% to 22.28%. In one-third of the women, the percentage of fat in the body composition was higher than 25%. 1. Young people who choose to study physical education and physical culture are characterized by greater height and greater body weight than the general population, regardless of gender. 2. Short persons study physical education less often than tall individuals. 3. The greater body weight observed in the majority of students studying physical education, in comparison to that of the general population, was caused by a dominant percentage of lean body mass in body composition; unexpectedly, however, some women were observed to have relatively high fat content. 4. Use of the body mass index and waist-hip ratio was not a sufficiently sensitive screening examination to detect fatness in physically active young adults; therefore, it should not substitute for the determination of fat content in body composition.

Integrin-mediated traction force enhances paxillin molecular associations and adhesion dynamics that increase the invasiveness of tumor cells into a three-dimensional extracellular matrix

PubMed Central

Mekhdjian, Armen H.; Kai, FuiBoon; Rubashkin, Matthew G.; Prahl, Louis S.; Przybyla, Laralynne M.; McGregor, Alexandra L.; Bell, Emily S.; Barnes, J. Matthew; DuFort, Christopher C.; Ou, Guanqing; Chang, Alice C.; Cassereau, Luke; Tan, Steven J.; Pickup, Michael W.; Lakins, Jonathan N.; Ye, Xin; Davidson, Michael W.; Lammerding, Jan; Odde, David J.; Dunn, Alexander R.; Weaver, Valerie M.

2017-01-01

Metastasis requires tumor cells to navigate through a stiff stroma and squeeze through confined microenvironments. Whether tumors exploit unique biophysical properties to metastasize remains unclear. Data show that invading mammary tumor cells, when cultured in a stiffened three-dimensional extracellular matrix that recapitulates the primary tumor stroma, adopt a basal-like phenotype. Metastatic tumor cells and basal-like tumor cells exert higher integrin-mediated traction forces at the bulk and molecular levels, consistent with a motor-clutch model in which motors and clutches are both increased. Basal-like nonmalignant mammary epithelial cells also display an altered integrin adhesion molecular organization at the nanoscale and recruit a suite of paxillin-associated proteins implicated in invasion and metastasis. Phosphorylation of paxillin by Src family kinases, which regulates adhesion turnover, is similarly enhanced in the metastatic and basal-like tumor cells, fostered by a stiff matrix, and critical for tumor cell invasion in our assays. Bioinformatics reveals an unappreciated relationship between Src kinases, paxillin, and survival of breast cancer patients. Thus adoption of the basal-like adhesion phenotype may favor the recruitment of molecules that facilitate tumor metastasis to integrin-based adhesions. Analysis of the physical properties of tumor cells and integrin adhesion composition in biopsies may be predictive of patient outcome. PMID:28381423

Perinatal BPA exposure alters body weight and composition in a dose specific and sex specific manner: The addition of peripubertal exposure exacerbates adverse effects in female mice.

PubMed

Rubin, Beverly S; Paranjpe, Maneesha; DaFonte, Tracey; Schaeberle, Cheryl; Soto, Ana M; Obin, Martin; Greenberg, Andrew S

2017-03-01

Body weight (BW) and body composition were examined in CD-1 mice exposed perinatally or perinatally and peripubertally to 0, 0.25, 2.5, 25, or 250μg BPA/kg BW/day. Our goal was to identify the BPA dose (s) and the exposure window(s) that increased BW and adiposity, and to assess potential sex differences in this response. Both perinatal exposure alone and perinatal plus peripubertal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of BPA resulted in lasting effects on body weight and body composition. The effects were dose specific and sex specific and were influenced by the precise window of BPA exposure. The addition of peripubertal BPA exposure following the initial perinatal exposure exacerbated adverse effects in the females but appeared to reduce differences in body weight and body composition between control and BPA exposed males. Some effects of BPA on body weight and body composition showed a non-linear dose response. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Study on body composition and its correlation with obesity: A Cohort Study in 5121 Chinese Han participants.

PubMed

Liang, Xiongfei; Chen, Xianhua; Li, Jing; Yan, Mengdan; Yang, Yifeng

2018-05-01

Rare reports can be found about sex- and age-specific body composition survey among Chinese population. The aim of this study is to explore the change of body composition with aging in Chinese males and females respectively.The present cross-sectional study was carried out in Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliate Haikou Hospital, on a random sample consisting of 5121 participants. Inbody720 body composition analyzer was used to detect the human body composition. Data collection was based on the assessment of anthropometric body composition measurements done with the help of bioelectric impedance. And the data were analyzed with SPSS19.0.We selected 5121 participants, 3276 males and 1845 females. A significant trend (P < 0.05) for all anthropometric indices was observed with age for both genders. Body fat in men and women were 18.33 kg and 19.82 kg, respectively. Body fat percentage in men and women were 25.74% and 34.01%, respectively. Visceral fat area in men and women were 91.98 cm and 77 cm, respectively And, with the increase of age, body fat, body fat percentages and visceral fat area also increased, both in men and in women. Meanwhile, with the increase of BMI, the body fat, body fat percentages, and visceral fat area also increased, both in men and in women.Significant trends were observed for body fat, body fat percentages and visceral fat area for both genders with age and both genders with BMI. Focusing on obesity-related lifestyle and prevent weight gain.

Scaling of adult regional body mass and body composition as a whole to height: Relevance to body shape and body mass index.

PubMed

Schuna, John M; Peterson, Courtney M; Thomas, Diana M; Heo, Moonseong; Hong, Sangmo; Choi, Woong; Heymsfield, Steven B

2015-01-01

Adult body mass (MB) empirically scales as height (Ht) squared (MB ∝ Ht(2) ), but does regional body mass and body composition as a whole also scale as Ht(2) ? This question is relevant to a wide range of biological topics, including interpretation of body mass index (BMI). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to quantify regional body mass [head (MH), trunk, arms, and legs] and whole-body composition [fat, lean soft tissue (LST), and bone mineral content (BMC)] in non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH black, Mexican American, and Korean adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; n = 17,126) and Korean NHANES (n = 8,942). Regression models were developed to establish Ht scaling powers for each measured component with adjustments for age and adiposity. Exploratory analyses revealed a consistent scaling pattern across men and women of the four population groups: regional mass powers, head (∼0.8-1) < arms and trunk (∼1.8-2.3) < legs (∼2.3-2.6); and body composition, LST (∼2.0-2.3) < BMC (∼2.1-2.4). Small sex and population differences in scaling powers were also observed. As body mass scaled uniformly across the eight sex and population groups as Ht(∼2) , tall and short subjects differed in body shape (e.g., MH/MB ∝ Ht(-∼1) ) and composition. Adult human body shape and relative composition are a function of body size as represented by stature, a finding that reveals a previously unrecognized phenotypic heterogeneity as defined by BMI. These observations provide new pathways for exploring mechanisms governing the interrelations between adult stature, body morphology, biomechanics, and metabolism. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of Body Weight and Body Composition on Ovarian Cancer Prognosis.

PubMed

Purcell, Sarah A; Elliott, Sarah A; Kroenke, Candyce H; Sawyer, Michael B; Prado, Carla M

2016-02-01

Measures of body weight and anthropometrics such as body mass index (BMI) are commonly used to assess nutritional status in clinical conditions including cancer. Extensive research has evaluated associations between body weight and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, yet little is known about the potential impact of body composition (fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM)) in these patients. Thus, the purpose of this publication was to review the literature (using PubMed and EMBASE) evaluating the impact of body weight and particularly body composition on surgical complications, morbidity, chemotherapy dosing and toxicity (as predictors of prognosis), and survival in ovarian cancer patients. Body weight is rarely associated with intra-operative complications, but obesity predicts higher rates of venous thromboembolism and wound complications post-operatively in ovarian cancer patients. Low levels of FM and FFM are superior predictors of length of hospital stay compared to measures of body weight alone, but the role of body composition on other surgical morbidities is unknown. Obesity complicates chemotherapy dosing due to altered pharmacokinetics, imprecise dosing strategies, and wide variability in FM and FFM. Measurement of body composition has the potential to reduce toxicity if the results are incorporated into chemotherapy dosing calculations. Some findings suggest that excess body weight adversely affects survival, while others find no such association. Limited studies indicate that FM is a better predictor of survival than body weight in ovarian cancer patients, but the direction of this relationship has not been determined. In conclusion, body composition as an indicator of nutritional status is a better prognostic tool than body weight or BMI alone in ovarian cancer patients.

[Antineoplastic treatment impact on nutritional status in patients with breast cancer].

PubMed

Monroy Cisneros, Karina; Astiazarán García, Humberto; Esparza Romero, Julián; Guevara Torres, Alfonso Genaro; Valencia Juillerat, Mauro E; Méndez Estrada, Rosa Olivia; Tortoledo Ortiz, Orlando; Pacheco Moreno, Bertha Isabel

2014-10-01

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women in Mexico and also has the highest mortality. Although treatment has improved significantly, it can affect the nutritional status of the recipients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the initial phase of antineoplastic therapy on the nutritional status in patients with breast cancer. Forty subjects with primary diagnosed of invasive breast cancer were studied in a before and after intervention (six month apart) using a quasi-experimental design. Basal and six month after intervention measurements included were anthropometry, body composition by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), diet by 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire, as well as serum -carotene and retinol. The therapy effect was analyzed using repeated measurements mixed linear regression. Lean tissue decreased after the studied period (p=0.032). Addicionally, there was an interaction between weight, BMI and body fat parameters with menopausal status, increasing in these variables due to therapy only premenopausal patients (p=0.005, 0.006 and 0.001, respectively). Decreased serum retinol (p=0.049) despite the improvement in -carotene status (p=0.03). In general there was an increase the consumption of vegetables food products whilst a decrease in animal foods. The breast cancer antineoplastic treatment had a negative effect on weight and body fat, especially in young women. Although there were some positive dietary changes, vegetables consumption remained insufficient, which was also reflected in serum biomarkers. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Age- and sex-related differences in body composition in healthy subjects aged 18 to 82 years.

PubMed

He, Xue; Li, Zishuai; Tang, Xunhui; Zhang, Lijun; Wang, Li; He, Yongjun; Jin, Tianbo; Yuan, Dongya

2018-06-01

Significant changes in body composition are known to occur with aging. The aim of the present study was to provide a normative reference of body composition and to investigate age and sex-related differences in healthy subjects by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA).A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 3451 healthy Chinese adults, 1611 males and 1840 females. The volunteers were enrolled in 5 different age bands (18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 60+). All subjects were measured for weight and height and submitted to BIA, to determine body composition. Body composition measures accounted for differences between men and women.A decrease in fat-free mass and increase in percent body fat was observed with aging, although the phenomenon was proved to be attenuated in women. The central and visceral redistribution of fat mass was also shown along lifetime.This study is a report on body composition of healthy subjects, to be used as an important data for future investigations and differences between nationalities and countries.

Improved Chemically Defined Basal Medium (CMRL-1969) for Primary Monkey Kidney and Human Diploid Cells 1

PubMed Central

Healy, G. M.; Teleki, S.; Seefried, A. V.; Walton, M. J.; Macmorine, H. G.

1971-01-01

An improved tissue culture basal medium, CMRL-1969, supplemented with serum, has been evaluated by measuring the growth responses of primary cultures of trypsin-dispersed monkey kidney cells (PMKC) and of an established culture of a human diploid cell strain (HDCS). Medium H597, an early modification of medium 199 which has been used successfully in the preparation of poliomyelitis vaccine for 15 years, was used for comparison. In addition, parallel testing was done with Basal Medium Eagle (BME) widely used for the growth of HDCS. The improvements in basal medium CMRL-1969 are attributed to changes in amino acid concentrations, in vitamin composition, and, in particular, to enhanced buffering capacity. The latter has been achieved by the use of free-base amino acids and by increasing the dibasic sodium phosphate. The new medium has already been used to advantage for the production of polioviruses in PMKC where equivalent titers were obtained from cultures initiated with 70% of the number of cells required with earlier media. The population-doubling time was reduced in this system. Also, with small inocula of HDCS, the time required to obtain maximum cell yield was shorter with CMRL-1969 than with BME. Both media were supplemented with 10% calf serum. Maximum cell yields after repeated subcultivation in the new basal medium were greatly increased and the stability of the strain, as shown by chromosomal analysis, was not affected. Basal medium CMRL-1969 can be prepared easily in liquid or powdered form. PMID:4322279

Trajectories of the relationships of physical activity with body composition changes in older men: the MrOS study.

PubMed

Laddu, Deepika R; Cawthon, Peggy M; Parimi, Neeta; Hoffman, Andrew R; Orwoll, Eric; Miljkovic, Iva; Stefanick, Marcia L

2017-06-05

Excess adiposity gains and significant lean mass loss may be risk factors for chronic disease in old age. Long-term patterns of change in physical activity (PA) and their influence on body composition decline during aging has not been characterized. We evaluated the interrelationships of PA and body composition at the outset and over longitudinal follow-up to changes in older men. Self-reported PA by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), clinic body weight, and whole-body lean mass (LM) and fat mass, by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), were assessed in 5964 community-dwelling men aged ≥65 years at baseline (2000-2002) and at two subsequent clinic visits up until March 2009 (an average 4.6 and 6.9 years later). Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) identified patterns of change in PA and body composition variables. Relationships of PA and body composition changes were then assessed. GBTM identified three discrete trajectory patterns, all with declining PA, associated primarily with initial PA levelshigh-activity (7.2% of men), moderate-activity (50.0%), and low-activity (42.8%). In separate models, GBTM identified eight discrete total weight change groups, five fat mass change groups, and six LM change groups. Joint trajectory modeling by PA and body composition group illustrated significant declines in total weight and LM, whereas fat mass levels were relatively unchanged among high-activity and low-activity-declining groups, and significantly increased in the moderate-activity-declining group. Although patterns of change in PA and body composition were identified, groups were primarily differentiated by initial PA or body composition rather than by distinct trajectories of change in these variables.

[Function of the acetabulum of digenetic trematodes, as exemplified by Dicrocoelium dendriticum].

PubMed

Neuhaus, W

1985-01-01

The suckers of animals adhere to the substratum either in air or in aqueous fluids. The varying compressibility of these media causes differences in function, the principles of which are described. The ventral arch of the acetabulum of Dicrocoelium dendriticum, like the remaining body, is limited by the integument, basal lamina and skin muscles. The dorsal arch covers a basal lamina, which is close to a plexus of diagonal, longitudinal and circular muscles. The radical muscles, attached at the ventral basal lamina by thin connective tissue, continue in relatively thick contractile fibers, which split up into several fibrils, which also attached by thin connective tissue at the dorsal basal lamina. In this way the tension of the muscles is likewise distributed over the dorsal and ventral arches of the acetabulum. After contact with the substratum the sucker creates a partial vacuum and attachment by means of the pressure of the radial muscles against the wall of the hole. Because of the fluid content of the hole, the volume does not change much. The dorsal arch of the sucker withstands the pressure of the radical muscles, because its surface area is six times greater than that of the ventral arch and consequently the load is six times less. The sucker, covered with basal lamina, has a constant volume; its layer of muscles resists deformation and supports the stability of the arch.

A New Basal Sauropodomorph Dinosaur from the Lower Jurassic Navajo Sandstone of Southern Utah

PubMed Central

Sertich, Joseph J. W.; Loewen, Mark A.

2010-01-01

Background Basal sauropodomorphs, or ‘prosauropods,’ are a globally widespread paraphyletic assemblage of terrestrial herbivorous dinosaurs from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic. In contrast to several other landmasses, the North American record of sauropodomorphs during this time interval remains sparse, limited to Early Jurassic occurrences of a single well-known taxon from eastern North America and several fragmentary specimens from western North America. Methodology/Principal Findings On the basis of a partial skeleton, we describe here a new basal sauropodomorph dinosaur from the Lower Jurassic Navajo Sandstone of southern Utah, Seitaad ruessi gen. et sp. nov. The partially articulated skeleton of Seitaad was likely buried post-mortem in the base of a collapsed dune foreset. The new taxon is characterized by a plate-like medial process of the scapula, a prominent proximal expansion of the deltopectoral crest of the humerus, a strongly inclined distal articular surface of the radius, and a proximally and laterally hypertrophied proximal metacarpal I. Conclusions/Significance Phylogenetic analysis recovers Seitaad as a derived basal sauropodomorph closely related to plateosaurid or massospondylid ‘prosauropods’ and its presence in western North America is not unexpected for a member of this highly cosmopolitan clade. This occurrence represents one of the most complete vertebrate body fossil specimens yet recovered from the Navajo Sandstone and one of the few basal sauropodomorph taxa currently known from North America. PMID:20352090

Occurrence of inter-eruption debris flow and hyperconcentrated flood-flow deposits on Vesuvio volcano, Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lirer, L.; Vinci, A.; Alberico, I.; Gifuni, T.; Bellucci, F.; Petrosino, P.; Tinterri, R.

2001-02-01

In the period between AD 79 and AD 472 eruptions, inter-eruption debris flow and hyperconcentrated-flood-flow deposits were deposited in the Somma-Vesuvio areas. These deposits, forming cliffs at the Torre Bassano and Torre Annunziata, were generated by highly erosive floods, whose erosive capacity was enhanced by acceleration due to the steepness of the volcano slopes. In this type of deposits were distinguished five depositional facies (from A to E) outcropping well at Torre Bassano where they are stacked in three fining-upward (FU) sequences, probably representing three forestepping — backstepping episodes in the emplacement area of gravity flows. These five facies from coarse to fine are interpreted to represent the downcurrent evolution of particular composite sediment gravity flows characterized by horizontal segregation of the main grain-size population. The blocking of these highly concentrated composite parent flows would first produce the deposition of the coarse front part to form facies A and then the overriding of this deposit by the bipartite flow, which constitutes the body of the flow. This flow is composed of a highly concentrated basal inertia carpet responsible for the deposition of facies B, C and D and an upper hyperconcentrated flood flow that forms facies E, through traction plus fallout processes, respectively. Finally, the occurrence of "lahar" type events at Somma-Vesuvio region even at present times is discussed.

Body composition during fetal development and infancy through the age of 5 years

PubMed Central

Toro-Ramos, T; Paley, C; Pi-Sunyer, FX; Gallagher, D

2015-01-01

Fetal body composition is an important determinant of body composition at birth, and it is likely to be an important determinant at later stages in life. The purpose of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview by presenting data from previously published studies that report on body composition during fetal development in newborns and the infant/child through 5 years of age. Understanding the changes in body composition that occur both in utero and during infancy and childhood, and how they may be related, may help inform evidence-based practice during pregnancy and childhood. We describe body composition measurement techniques from the in utero period to 5 years of age, and identify gaps in knowledge to direct future research efforts. Available literature on chemical and cadaver analyses of fetal studies during gestation is presented to show the timing and accretion rates of adipose and lean tissues. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of fetal lean and fat mass accretion could be especially useful in the clinical setting for diagnostic purposes. The practicality of different pediatric body composition measurement methods in the clinical setting is discussed by presenting the assumptions and limitations associated with each method that may assist the clinician in characterizing the health and nutritional status of the fetus, infant and child. It is our hope that this review will help guide future research efforts directed at increasing the understanding of how body composition in early development may be associated with chronic diseases in later life. PMID:26242725

Selective logging: does the imprint remain on tree structure and composition after 45 years?

PubMed

Osazuwa-Peters, Oyomoare L; Chapman, Colin A; Zanne, Amy E

2015-01-01

Selective logging of tropical forests is increasing in extent and intensity. The duration over which impacts of selective logging persist, however, remains an unresolved question, particularly for African forests. Here, we investigate the extent to which a past selective logging event continues to leave its imprint on different components of an East African forest 45 years later. We inventoried 2358 stems ≥10 cm in diameter in 26 plots (200 m × 10 m) within a 5.2 ha area in Kibale National Park, Uganda, in logged and unlogged forest. In these surveys, we characterized the forest light environment, taxonomic composition, functional trait composition using three traits (wood density, maximum height and maximum diameter) and forest structure based on three measures (stem density, total basal area and total above-ground biomass). In comparison to unlogged forests, selectively logged forest plots in Kibale National Park on average had higher light levels, different structure characterized by lower stem density, lower total basal area and lower above-ground biomass, and a distinct taxonomic composition driven primarily by changes in the relative abundance of species. Conversely, selectively logged forest plots were like unlogged plots in functional composition, having similar community-weighted mean values for wood density, maximum height and maximum diameter. This similarity in functional composition irrespective of logging history may be due to functional recovery of logged forest or background changes in functional attributes of unlogged forest. Despite the passage of 45 years, the legacy of selective logging on the tree community in Kibale National Park is still evident, as indicated by distinct taxonomic and structural composition and reduced carbon storage in logged forest compared with unlogged forest. The effects of selective logging are exerted via influences on tree demography rather than functional trait composition.

Selective logging: does the imprint remain on tree structure and composition after 45 years?

PubMed Central

Osazuwa-Peters, Oyomoare L.; Chapman, Colin A.; Zanne, Amy E.

2015-01-01

Selective logging of tropical forests is increasing in extent and intensity. The duration over which impacts of selective logging persist, however, remains an unresolved question, particularly for African forests. Here, we investigate the extent to which a past selective logging event continues to leave its imprint on different components of an East African forest 45 years later. We inventoried 2358 stems ≥10 cm in diameter in 26 plots (200 m × 10 m) within a 5.2 ha area in Kibale National Park, Uganda, in logged and unlogged forest. In these surveys, we characterized the forest light environment, taxonomic composition, functional trait composition using three traits (wood density, maximum height and maximum diameter) and forest structure based on three measures (stem density, total basal area and total above-ground biomass). In comparison to unlogged forests, selectively logged forest plots in Kibale National Park on average had higher light levels, different structure characterized by lower stem density, lower total basal area and lower above-ground biomass, and a distinct taxonomic composition driven primarily by changes in the relative abundance of species. Conversely, selectively logged forest plots were like unlogged plots in functional composition, having similar community-weighted mean values for wood density, maximum height and maximum diameter. This similarity in functional composition irrespective of logging history may be due to functional recovery of logged forest or background changes in functional attributes of unlogged forest. Despite the passage of 45 years, the legacy of selective logging on the tree community in Kibale National Park is still evident, as indicated by distinct taxonomic and structural composition and reduced carbon storage in logged forest compared with unlogged forest. The effects of selective logging are exerted via influences on tree demography rather than functional trait composition. PMID:27293697

[Levels of obesity, fasting glycemia and physical condition in Chilean students].

PubMed

Delgado Floody, Pedro; Caamaño Navarrete, Felipe; Guzmán Guzmán, Iris Paola; Jerez Mayorga, Daniel; Ramírez-Campillo, Rodrigo; Campos Jara, Christian; Ríos Lagos, Gonzalo; Díaz Inostroza, Hugo

2015-06-01

Chile has drastically altered eating patterns and physical activity. The main nutritional problem faced by Chilean society is overweight, which arises progressively from an early age. The aim of this study is to determine the nutritional status and compare fitness levels and fasting glucose in students. A descriptive cross-sectional comparative study was conducted, making a comparison by gender and nutritional status, with 100 students (56 men and 44 women) aged 12-15 years old. Body composition, fasting glucose and fitness were evaluated. Women had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than men (22.73% and 19.65%). In the comparison of gender differences statistics were reported in one repetition maximum (1RM) (p = 0.001), abdominal strength (p = 0.004) and velocity (p = 0.001), there were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.24) and fasting glucose (p = 0.99). In the comparison of nutritional status, the students classified as obese had a higher waist perimeter (p = 0.001), more time to walk 400 m (p = 0.008). There were no significant differences in other variables. Women have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than men. Obese students have a waist circumference more elevated, more time to walk 400 meters (p = <0.05) and they have increased levels of basal glucose. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Effect of nutritional support on mitochondrial complex I activity in malnourished patients with anorexia nervosa.

PubMed

De-Mateo-Silleras, Beatriz; Alonso-Torre, Sara R; Redondo-del-Río, Paz; Jeejeebhoy, Khursheed; Miján-de-la-Torre, Alberto

2013-11-01

Previous studies have shown a reduction in lymphocyte mitochondrial complex I activity (CIA) in malnourished patients, which is restored after refeeding. Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of CIA as an indicator of nutritional status in anorexia nervosa patients. Twelve malnourished anorexia nervosa females (mean age, 24.5 years) were admitted to the Eating Disorders Unit. Basal and weekly anthropometrics, bioelectric impedance (BIA), body composition, and CIA were performed until discharge. Patients were matched to 25 healthy females and refeeding was adjusted according to the Unit's protocol. Statistics were used as appropriated and significance was reached at p < 0.05. Patients showed a significant reduction in body mass index, fat mass and fat free mass (FFM), triceps skinfold, and waist circumference on admission as compared with the control group. Parameters improved during hospitalization, but they failed to reach normal values at discharge. Compared with controls, CIA was significantly lower in patients on admission (2.16 vs. 5.68 nmol·min(-1)·mg protein(-1)). Refeeding and weight gain did not restore CIA. A positive association (r(2) = 0.69) was found between FFM and CIA in patients at discharge. Malnourished females with anorexia nervosa have lower CIA than controls that is not recovered after refeeding. This could be because of a low FFM exacerbated by physical inactivity while in hospital.

URINARY CREATINE AT REST AND AFTER REPEATED SPRINTS IN ATHLETES: A PILOT STUDY

PubMed Central

Nasrallah, F.; Feki, M.; Chamari, K.; Omar, S.; Alouane-Trabelsi, L.; Ben Mansour, A.; Kaabachi, N.

2014-01-01

Creatine plays a key role in muscle function and its evaluation is important in athletes. In this study, urinary creatine concentration was measured in order to highlight its possible significance in monitoring sprinters. The study included 51 sprinters and 25 age- and sex-matched untrained subjects as a control group. Body composition was measured and dietary intake estimated. Urine samples were collected before and after standardized physical exercise. Creatine was assessed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Basal urinary creatine (UC) was significantly lower in sprinters than controls (34±30 vs. 74±3 µmol/mmol creatinine, p < 0.05). UC was inversely correlated with body mass (r = −0.34, p < 0.01) and lean mass (r = −0.30, p < 0.05), and positively correlated with fat mass (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). After acute exercise, urinary creatine significantly decreased in both athletes and controls. UC is low in sprinters at rest and further decreases after exercise, most likely due to a high uptake and use of creatine by muscles, as muscle mass and physical activity are supposed to be greater in athletes than untrained subjects. Further studies are needed to test the value of urinary creatine as a non-invasive marker of physical condition and as a parameter for managing Cr supplementation in athletes. PMID:24917689

Scaling of Adult Regional Body Mass and Body Composition as a Whole to Height: Relevance to Body Shape and Body Mass Index

PubMed Central

Schuna, John M.; Peterson, Courtney M.; Thomas, Diana M.; Heo, Moonseong; Hong, Sangmo; Choi, Woong; Heymsfield, Steven B.

2015-01-01

Objectives Adult body mass (MB) empirically scales as height (Ht) squared (MB ∝ Ht2), but does regional body mass and body composition as a whole also scale as Ht2? This question is relevant to a wide range of biological topics, including interpretation of body mass index. Methods Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to quantify regional body mass (head [MH], trunk, arms, legs) and whole-body composition (fat, lean soft tissue [LST], and bone mineral content [BMC]) in non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH black, Mexican American, and Korean adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; n=17,126) and Korean NHANES (n=8,942). Regression models were developed to establish Ht scaling powers for each measured component with adjustments for age and adiposity. Results Exploratory analyses revealed a consistent scaling pattern across men and women of the four race/ethnic groups: regional mass powers, head (~0.8-1) < arms and trunk (~1.8-2.3) < legs (~2.3-2.6); and body composition, LST (~2.0-2.3) < BMC (~2.1-2.4). Small sex and race/ethnic differences in scaling powers were also observed. As body mass scaled uniformly across the eight sex and race/ethnic groups as Ht~2, tall and short subjects differed in body shape (e.g., Mh/Mb ∝ Ht−~1) and composition. Conclusions Adult human body shape and relative composition are a function of body size as defined by stature, a finding that has important implications in multiple areas of biological research. PMID:25381999

Yield and size of oyster mushroom grown on rice/wheat straw basal substrate supplemented with cotton seed hull.

PubMed

Yang, Wenjie; Guo, Fengling; Wan, Zhengjie

2013-10-01

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was cultivated on rice straw basal substrate, wheat straw basal substrate, cotton seed hull basal substrate, and wheat straw or rice straw supplemented with different proportions (15%, 30%, and 45% in rice straw substrate, 20%, 30%, and 40% in wheat straw substrate) of cotton seed hull to find a cost effective substrate. The effect of autoclaved sterilized and non-sterilized substrate on growth and yield of oyster mushroom was also examined. Results indicated that for both sterilized substrate and non-sterilized substrate, oyster mushroom on rice straw and wheat basal substrate have faster mycelial growth rate, comparatively poor surface mycelial density, shorter total colonization period and days from bag opening to primordia formation, lower yield and biological efficiency, lower mushroom weight, longer stipe length and smaller cap diameter than that on cotton seed hull basal substrate. The addition of cotton seed hull to rice straw and wheat straw substrate slowed spawn running, primordial development and fruit body formation. However, increasing the amount of cotton seed hull can increase the uniformity and white of mycelium, yield and biological efficiency, and increase mushroom weight, enlarge cap diameter and shorten stipe length. Compared to the sterilized substrate, the non-sterilized substrate had comparatively higher mycelial growth rate, shorter total colonization period and days from bag opening to primordia formation. However, the non-sterilized substrate did not gave significantly higher mushroom yield and biological efficiency than the sterilized substrate, but some undesirable characteristics, i.e. smaller mushroom cap diameter and relatively long stipe length.

The Body Composition of a College Football Team.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wickkiser, John D.; Kelly, John M.

This study focuses on the body composition and anthropometric measurements of 65 college football players. Body composition was determined by underwater weighing with an accurate assessment of residual volume. The anthropometric measurements included height, weight, seven skinfolds, waist circumference, and wrist diameter. A step-wise multiple…

Measurement and Predition Errors in Body Composition Assessment and the Search for the Perfect Prediction Equation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Katch, Frank I.; Katch, Victor L.

1980-01-01

Sources of error in body composition assessment by laboratory and field methods can be found in hydrostatic weighing, residual air volume, skinfolds, and circumferences. Statistical analysis can and should be used in the measurement of body composition. (CJ)

Influence of catchment land cover on stoichiometry and stable isotope compositions of basal resources and macroinvertebrate consumers in headwater streams

EPA Science Inventory

Anthropogenic land use affects aquatic landscapes. For example, landscape-level conversion to urban or agricultural land can heavily influence nutrient cycles in headwater streams via increased nutrient loading and altered hydrologic patterns. Recent studies in headwater streams ...

Cachexia and adiposity in rheumatoid arthritis. Relevance for disease management and clinical outcomes.

PubMed

Challal, Salima; Minichiello, Emeline; Boissier, Marie-Christophe; Semerano, Luca

2016-03-01

Altered body composition is a frequent finding in rheumatoid arthritis and is associated with the two major outcomes of the disease: disability and cardiovascular mortality. It is estimated that up to two thirds of patients may be affected by loss of lean mass, the so-called rheumatoid cachexia. Hence, body weight being equal, the relative amount of lean mass is lower and that of body fat is higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients vs. healthy controls. Both disease-related factors and other factors, like drug treatments, physical activity and nutrition contribute to modify body composition in rheumatoid arthritis. The effect of pharmacological treatments, and notably of anti-TNF drugs, on body composition is controversial. Conversely, training programs to stimulate muscle growth can restore lean mass and reduce adiposity. There is good evidence that amelioration of body composition ameliorates function and reduces disability. Currently, there is no evidence that interventions that modify body composition can reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier SAS.

Regional body composition changes during lactation in Indian women from the low-income group and their relationship to the growth of their infants.

PubMed

Kulkarni, Bharati; Shatrugna, Veena; Nagalla, Balakrishna; Rani, K Usha

2011-02-01

Increased energy requirement during lactation may lead to maternal tissue depletion in women from poor subsistence communities. To examine the regional body composition changes in undernourished lactating women and to assess the relationship of maternal body composition changes with weight gain of the infants. Body composition was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in 35 lactating women at 4 time points: within 1 month after delivery (baseline) and at 6, 12, and 18 months postpartum. The mean age, height, and body mass index of the women were 23.5 years, 150.7 cm, and 20.0 kg/m(2), respectively. There were no significant differences in body weight or whole-body lean as well as fat mass at 4 time points, but the percentage fat decreased significantly during lactation. There was selective mobilization of fat mass from the leg region, whereas the appendicular skeletal mass (ASM) increased significantly. When the growth of the infants in the first 6 months (proxy for the lactation performance) was assessed in relation to the maternal body composition changes during that period, it was observed that the change in fat mass had a negative relationship to the weight gain of the infant. Change in the ASM during this period, however, had a significant positive relationship with the weight gain of the infants. There were important differences in the lactation-related changes in the regional body composition parameters of these undernourished women. Regional body composition changes may be related to the weight gain of the breast-fed infants.

Timeline of changes in appetite during weight loss with a ketogenic diet

PubMed Central

Nymo, S; Coutinho, S R; Jørgensen, J; Rehfeld, J F; Truby, H; Kulseng, B; Martins, C

2017-01-01

Background/objective: Diet-induced weight loss (WL) leads to increased hunger and reduced fullness feelings, increased ghrelin and reduced satiety peptides concentration (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide YY (PYY)). Ketogenic diets seem to minimise or supress some of these responses. The aim of this study was to determine the timeline over which changes in appetite occur during progressive WL with a ketogenic very-low-energy diet (VLED). Subjects/methods: Thirty-one sedentary adults (18 men), with obesity (body mass index: 37±4.5 kg m−2) underwent 8 weeks (wks) of a VLED followed by 4 wks of weight maintenance. Body weight and composition, subjective feelings of appetite and appetite-related hormones (insulin, active ghrelin (AG), active GLP-1, total PYY and CCK) were measured in fasting and postprandially, at baseline, on day 3 of the diet, 5 and 10% WL, and at wks 9 and 13. Data are shown as mean±s.d. Results: A significant increase in fasting hunger was observed by day 3 (2±1% WL), (P<0.01), 5% WL (12±8 days) (P<0.05) and wk 13 (17±2% WL) (P<0.05). Increased desire to eat was observed by day 3 (P<0.01) and 5% WL (P<0.05). Postprandial prospective food consumption was significantly reduced at wk 9 (16±2% WL) (P<0.01). Basal total PYY was significantly reduced at 10% WL (32±8 days) (P<0.05). Postprandial active GLP-1 was increased at 5% WL (P<0.01) and CCK reduced at 5 and 10% WL (P<0.01, for both) and wk 9 (P<0.001). Basal and postprandial AG were significantly increased at wk 13 (P<0.001, both). Conclusions: WL with a ketogenic VLED transiently increases the drive to eat up to 3 weeks (5% WL). After that, and while participants are ketotic, a 10–17% WL is not associated with increased appetite. However, hunger feelings and AG concentrations increase significantly from baseline, once refeeding occurs. PMID:28439092

Novel Genetic Loci Control Calcium Absorption and Femur Bone Mass as well as Their Response to Low Calcium Intake in Male BXD Recombinant Inbred Mice†

PubMed Central

Reyes Fernandez, Perla C.; Replogle, Rebecca A.; Wang, Libo; Zhang, Min; Fleet, James C.

2016-01-01

Low dietary calcium (Ca) intake during growth limits peak bone mass but physiological adaptation can prevent this adverse effect. To assess the genetic control on the physiologic response to dietary Ca restriction (RCR) we conducted a study in 51 BXD lines fed either 0.5% (basal) or 0.25% (low) Ca diets from 4–12 wks of age (n=8/line/diet). Ca absorption (CaAbs), femur bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) were examined. ANCOVA with body size as covariate was used to detect significant line and diet main effects, and line-by-diet interactions. Body size-corrected residuals were used for linkage mapping and to estimate heritability (h2). Loci controlling the phenotypes were identified using composite interval mapping on each diet and for the RCR. h2 of basal phenotypes (0.37– 0.43) and their RCR (0.32–0.38) was moderate. For each phenotype we identified multiple QTL on each diet and for the RCR. Several loci affected multiple traits: Chr 1 (88.3–90.6 cM, CaAbs, BMC), Chr 4 (45.8–49.2 cM, CaAbs, BMD, BMC), Chr 8 (28.6–31.6 cM, CaAbs, BMD RCR), and Chr 15 (13.6–24 cM, BMD, BMC), and (32.3–36 cM, CaAbs RCR, BMD). This suggests that gene clusters may regulate interdependent bone-related phenotypes. Using in silico expression QTL (eQTL) mapping and bioinformatic tools we identified novel candidates for the regulation of bone under Ca stress (Ext1, Deptor), and for the first time, we report genes modulating Ca absorption (Inadl, Sc4mol, Sh3rf1 and Dennd3), and both Ca and bone metabolism (Tceanc2, Tll1 and Aadat). Our data reveal gene-by-diet interactions and the existence of novel relationships between bone and Ca metabolism during growth. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved PMID:26636428

Timeline of changes in appetite during weight loss with a ketogenic diet.

PubMed

Nymo, S; Coutinho, S R; Jørgensen, J; Rehfeld, J F; Truby, H; Kulseng, B; Martins, C

2017-08-01

Diet-induced weight loss (WL) leads to increased hunger and reduced fullness feelings, increased ghrelin and reduced satiety peptides concentration (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide YY (PYY)). Ketogenic diets seem to minimise or supress some of these responses. The aim of this study was to determine the timeline over which changes in appetite occur during progressive WL with a ketogenic very-low-energy diet (VLED). Thirty-one sedentary adults (18 men), with obesity (body mass index: 37±4.5 kg m -2 ) underwent 8 weeks (wks) of a VLED followed by 4 wks of weight maintenance. Body weight and composition, subjective feelings of appetite and appetite-related hormones (insulin, active ghrelin (AG), active GLP-1, total PYY and CCK) were measured in fasting and postprandially, at baseline, on day 3 of the diet, 5 and 10% WL, and at wks 9 and 13. Data are shown as mean±s.d. A significant increase in fasting hunger was observed by day 3 (2±1% WL), (P<0.01), 5% WL (12±8 days) (P<0.05) and wk 13 (17±2% WL) (P<0.05). Increased desire to eat was observed by day 3 (P<0.01) and 5% WL (P<0.05). Postprandial prospective food consumption was significantly reduced at wk 9 (16±2% WL) (P<0.01). Basal total PYY was significantly reduced at 10% WL (32±8 days) (P<0.05). Postprandial active GLP-1 was increased at 5% WL (P<0.01) and CCK reduced at 5 and 10% WL (P<0.01, for both) and wk 9 (P<0.001). Basal and postprandial AG were significantly increased at wk 13 (P<0.001, both). WL with a ketogenic VLED transiently increases the drive to eat up to 3 weeks (5% WL). After that, and while participants are ketotic, a 10-17% WL is not associated with increased appetite. However, hunger feelings and AG concentrations increase significantly from baseline, once refeeding occurs.

Once-weekly exenatide as adjunct treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in patients receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy.

PubMed

Traina, Andrea N; Lull, Melinda E; Hui, Adrian C; Zahorian, Toni M; Lyons-Patterson, Jane

2014-08-01

The use of once-weekly exenatide in type 2 diabetes mellitus is well supported, but little is known about its effectiveness in type 1 diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of once-weekly exenatide on glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes when added to basal-bolus insulin therapy. For this retrospective study, patients with type 1 diabetes, aged 18 years and older, receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, using a continuous glucose monitoring device or regularly measuring blood glucose levels and receiving 2 mg of exenatide once weekly for at least 3 months were included. Demographic information, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), body weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total daily insulin dose, basal and bolus insulin doses, 28-day continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion glucose average and incidence of hypoglycemia were collected at baseline and 3 months after beginning therapy with once-weekly exenatide. An electronic medical record search identified 11 patients with type 1 diabetes who met the inclusion criteria. Comparing baseline and 3 months after initiation of once-weekly exenatide revealed reductions of 0.6% in A1C (p=0.013), 3.7% in body weight (p=0.008), 1.7 kg/m(2) in body mass index (p=0.003), 13% in total daily insulin dose (p=0.011) and 9.3 units in bolus insulin dose (p=0.015). This study revealed that the addition of once-weekly exenatide to insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes patients leads to significant improvements in A1C, body weight, body mass index and insulin doses. Copyright © 2014 Canadian Diabetes Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Composite materials and bodies including silicon carbide and titanium diboride and methods of forming same

DOEpatents

Lillo, Thomas M.; Chu, Henry S.; Harrison, William M.; Bailey, Derek

2013-01-22

Methods of forming composite materials include coating particles of titanium dioxide with a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon, and reacting the titanium dioxide with the substance including boron and the substance including carbon to form titanium diboride. The methods may be used to form ceramic composite bodies and materials, such as, for example, a ceramic composite body or material including silicon carbide and titanium diboride. Such bodies and materials may be used as armor bodies and armor materials. Such methods may include forming a green body and sintering the green body to a desirable final density. Green bodies formed in accordance with such methods may include particles comprising titanium dioxide and a coating at least partially covering exterior surfaces thereof, the coating comprising a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon.

Whey protein preloads are more beneficial than soy protein preloads in regulating appetite, calorie intake, anthropometry, and body composition of overweight and obese men.

PubMed

Tahavorgar, Atefeh; Vafa, Mohammadreza; Shidfar, Farzad; Gohari, Mahmoodreza; Heydari, Iraj

2014-10-01

High-protein diets exert beneficial effects on appetite, anthropometry, and body composition; however, the effects of protein preloads depend on the amount, type, and time of consumption. Therefore, we hypothesized that long-term supplemental preloads of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI) consumed 30 minutes before the largest meal would decrease appetite, calorie intake (CI), and anthropometry and improve body composition in overweight and obese men in free-living conditions. The subjects included 45 men with a body mass index between 25 and 40 kg/m(2) and who were randomly allocated to either the WPC (n = 26) or SPI (n = 19) groups. For 12 weeks, the subjects consumed 65 g WPC or 60 g SPI that was dissolved in 500 mL water 30 minutes before their ad libitum lunch. Appetite, CI, anthropometry, and body composition were assessed before and after the study and biweekly throughout. After 12 weeks, mean changes between the groups were significant for appetite (P = .032), CI (P = .045), anthropometry (body weight [P = .008], body mass index [P = .006], and waist circumference), and body composition (body fat mass and lean muscle [P < .001]). Relative to baseline, within-group mean changes from WPC were significant for appetite, CI, anthropometry, and body composition (P < .001). In the SPI group, mean changes were significant, relative to baseline, for all variables except lean muscle (P = .37). According to this 12-week study, WPC preloads conducted 30 minutes prior to the ad libitum main meal exerted stronger beneficial effects than did SPI preloads on appetite, CI, anthropometry, and body composition of free-living overweight and obese men. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of physical activity and sleep duration in growth and body composition of preschool-aged children

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The impact of physical activity patterns and sleep duration on growth and body composition of preschool-aged children remains unresolved. Aims were (1) to delineate cross-sectional associations among physical activity components, sleep, total energy expenditure (TEE), and body size and composition; ...

Ultrasound use for body composition and carcass quality assessment in cattle and lambs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Genetic evaluation for carcass quality traits has evolved over time, in large part due to introduction of new technology such as ultrasound measures of body composition. Ultrasound measured body composition traits emulate important carcass traits, are very informative for selection purposes, are ac...

Non-invasive techniques for determining musculoskeleton body composition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cohn, S.H.

1984-01-01

In vivo neutron activation analysis, combined with gamma spectrometry, has ushered in a new era of clinical diagnosis and evaluation of therapies, as well as investigation into and modelling of body composition in both normal individuals and patients suffering from various diseases and dysfunctions. Body composition studies have provided baseline data on such vital constituents as nitrogen, potassium and calcium. The non-invasive measurement techniques are particularly suitable for study of the musculo-skeletal changes in body composition. Of particular relevance here is the measurement of calcium loss in astronauts during prolonged space flights.

Effects of Meridian Acupressure Massage on Body Composition, Edema, Stress, and Fatigue in Postpartum Women.

PubMed

Jung, Geum-Sook; Choi, In-Ryoung; Kang, Hee-Young; Choi, Eun-Young

2017-10-01

This study aims to investigate the effects of meridian acupressure massage on body composition, edema, stress, and fatigue in postpartum women. A quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group was utilized. The Postpartum Care Center of Women's Hospital in Gwangju City, Republic of Korea. The study group consisted of 39 postpartum women, 19 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group, recruited from the postpartum care center of Women's Hospital in Gwangju city, South Korea. The experimental group was provided with meridian acupressure massage for 90 min daily over 5 days as an experimental therapy. Body composition (body weight, BMI, total body water, ECW ratio, LBM, and body fat) Edema (subjective edema, average girth of the upper limbs, and average girth of the lower limbs), Stress (psychological stress and physical stress), and Fatigue. The experimental group demonstrated a significantly larger decrease compared with the control group in measures of body composition, edema, total subjective stress, psychological stress, and subjective fatigue. Meridian acupressure massage can hasten the return to original body composition after childbirth.

Effect of HIV infection on body composition and fat distribution in Rwandan women.

PubMed

Mutimura, Eugene; Anastos, Kathryn; Zheng Lin; Cohen, Mardge; Binagwaho, Agnes; Kotler, Donald P

2010-01-01

To assess the association of HIV infection with body weight and composition in Rwandan women. Body weight and composition, the latter determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and by anthropometry, were compared in 620 HIV-positive and 211 HIV-negative participants. Associations of HIV with body composition were assessed, and t tests compared the groups. HIV-positive women were younger (-7.0 years, P < .001) and shorter (-2.1 cm, P < .001). Mean body weight, body mass index (BMI), total body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were similar. Mean fat-free mass was 2.5% greater in HIV-negative participants, and 19% of HIV-positive group had BMI <18.5 kg/m(2) versus 26% of the HIV-negative group (P < .05). CD4 counts and body composition were not associated. Malnutrition was common in this cohort of Rwandan women. However, HIV infection was not associated with nutritional status. Factors other than malnutrition may influence quality-of-life outcomes in HIV-infected Rwandan women. Initiatives to improve nutritional status should be population-wide and not restricted to the HIV-infected population.

Distinction between amorphous and healed planar deformation features in shocked quartz using composite color scanning electron microscope cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamers, Maartje F.; Pennock, Gill M.; Herwegh, Marco; Drury, Martyn R.

2016-10-01

Planar deformation features (PDFs) in quartz are one of the most reliable and most widely used forms of evidence for hypervelocity impact. PDFs can be identified in scanning electron microscope cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) images, but not all PDFs show the same CL behavior: there are nonluminescent and red luminescent PDFs. This study aims to explain the origin of the different CL emissions in PDFs. Focused ion beam (FIB) thin foils were prepared of specific sample locations selected in composite color SEM-CL images and were analyzed in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The FIB preparation technique allowed a direct, often one-to-one correlation between the CL images and the defect structure observed in TEM. This correlation shows that composite color SEM-CL imaging allows distinction between amorphous PDFs on one hand and healed PDFs and basal Brazil twins on the other: nonluminescent PDFs are amorphous, while healed PDFs and basal Brazil twins are red luminescent, with a dominant emission peak at 650 nm. We suggest that the red luminescence is the result of preferential beam damage along dislocations, fluid inclusions, and twin boundaries. Furthermore, a high-pressure phase (possibly stishovite) in PDFs can be detected in color SEM-CL images by its blue luminescence.

Microstructural indicators of convection: insights from the Little Minch Sill Complex, Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicoli, Gautier; Holness, Marian; Neufeld, Jerome; Farr, Robert

2017-04-01

The fluid dynamic behaviour of crystal-bearing magmas is a key parameter to understand the formation of magmatic bodies. There are two opposite views on the subject: Some argue that solidification in intrusive bodies is affected by convection whereas others claim solidification happens in a static environment. A consensus on the question may be reached by carefully studying the grain size distribution in the settled accumulations of cargo crystals. In the absence of significant crystal growth or particle coarsening by agglomeration, settling of a polydisperse crystal load will always result in a fining-upwards sequence in static magmas as well as in convecting environments. If we assume the particle concentration is always sufficiently low to prevent hindered settling, gravitational settling in a static magma leads to the settling of individual crystals at a constant rate determined by their Stokes' velocity. Each size class is deposited at a constant rate, until all the grains of that size class have fallen out of suspension, leading to a well-stratified sequence and the complete disappearance of progressively smaller size classes upwards in the accumulation. In contrast, in a vigorously convecting magma crystals settle when they enter the stagnant basal boundary layer. In a system containing a polydisperse crystal population most of the bigger particles are removed rapidly from the bulk magma, leading to the creation of a fining-upwards sequence on the floor. However, in detail the structure of this fining-upwards sequence is critically different from that created by settling from a stagnant magma, with the gradual phasing out of each size class instead of the abrupt termination of size classes seen in static systems. This provides us with the opportunity to distinguish between settling from static or convecting magma using the spatial variation of grain size in settled accumulations. We focus on the Little Minch Sill Complex in Scotland, which formed from olivine-phyric magma and is characterised by both composite and single-injection bodies with significant accumulation of olivine on their lower margins. Comparison of the fining-upwards sequences in the picrodolerite/crinanite unit of the composite Shiant Isles Main Sill,and related single-injection sills on the Trotternish Peninsula, Skye, illustrate the ability of this method to distinguish between convecting and non-convecting magma bodies.

Temperature regulation and metabolism of an Australian bat, Chalinolobus gouldii (Chiroptera:Vespertilionidae) when euthermic and torpid.

PubMed

Hosken, D J; Withers, P C

1997-01-01

The thermal and metabolic physiology of Chalinolobus gouldii, an Australian vespertilionid bat, was studied in the laboratory using flow-through respirometry. Chalinolobus gouldii exhibits a clear pattern of euthermic thermoregulation, typical of endotherms with respect to body temperature and rate of oxygen consumption. The basal metabolic rate of euthermic Chalinolobus gouldii is approximately 86% of that predicted for a 17.5-g mammal and falls into the range of mass-specific basal metabolic rates ascribed to vespertilionid bats. However, like most vespertilionid bats, Chalinolobus gouldii displays extreme thermolability. It is able to enter into torpor and spontaneously arouse at ambient temperatures as low as 5 degrees C. Torpid bats thermoconform at moderate ambient temperature, with body temperature approximately ambient temperature, and have a low rate of oxygen consumption determined primarily by Q10 effects. At low ambient temperature (< 10 degrees C), torpid C. gouldii begin to regulate their body temperature by increased metabolic heat production; they tend to maintain a higher body temperature at low ambient temperature than do many northern hemisphere hibernating bats. Use of torpor leads to significant energy savings. The evaporative water loss of euthermic bats is relatively high, which seems unusual for a bat whose range includes extremely arid areas of Australia, and is reduced during torpor. The thermal conductance of euthermic C. gouldii is less than that predicted for a mammal of its size. The thermal conductance is considerably lower for torpid bats at intermediate body temperature and ambient temperature, but increases to euthermic values for torpid bats when thermoregulating at low ambient temperature.

Species composition, community and population dynamics of two gallery forests from the Brazilian Cerrado domain

PubMed Central

Almado, Roosevelt P; Miazaki, Angela S; Diniz, Écio S; Moreira, Luis C B; Meira-Neto, João A.A.

2016-01-01

Abstract Background To understand the impacts of global changes on future community compositions, knowledge of community dynamics is of crucial importance. To improve our knowledge of community composition, biomass stock and maintenance of gallery forests in the Brazilian Cerrado, we provide two datasets from the 0.5 ha Corrego Fazendinha Gallery Forest Dynamics Plot and the Corrego Fundo Gallery Forest Dynamics Plot situated in the Bom Despacho region, Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. New information We report diameter at breast height, basal area and height measurements of 3417 trees and treelets identified during three censuses in both areas. PMID:27660529

Oocyte size, egg index, and body lipid content in relation to body size in the solitary bee Megachile rotundata.

PubMed

O'Neill, Kevin M; Delphia, Casey M; O'Neill, Ruth P

2014-01-01

Females of solitary, nest-provisioning bees have relatively low fecundity, but produce large eggs as part of their overall strategy of investing substantially in each offspring. In intraspecific comparisons of several species of solitary, nest-provisioning bees and wasps, the size of the mature eggs produced increases with female body size. We further examined oocyte size-body size correlations in the solitary bee Megachile rotundata (F.), an important crop pollinator. We hypothesized that larger females carry larger basal oocytes (i.e., those next in line to be oviposited) but that body size-oocyte size correlations would be absent soon after emergence, before their first eggs fully matured. Because egg production is likely affected by the quantity of stored lipids carried over from the bees' immature stages, we also tested the hypothesis that female body size is correlated with the body lipid content at adult emergence, the time during which oocyte growth accelerates. We found significant correlations of body size with oocyte size variables chosen to reflect: (1) the magnitude of the investment in the next egg to be laid (i.e., the length and volume of the basal oocyte) and (2) the longer term potential to produce mature oocytes (i.e., the summed lengths and volumes of the three largest oocytes in each female). Positive correlations existed throughout the nesting season, even during the first week following adult emergence. The ability to produce and carry larger oocytes may be linked to larger females starting the nesting season with greater lipid stores (which we document here) or to greater space within the abdomen of larger females. Compared to other species of solitary bees, M. rotundata appears to have (1) smaller oocytes than solitary nest-provisioning bees in general, (2) comparable oocyte sizes relative to congeners, and (3) larger oocytes than related brood parasitic megachilids.

Pyrolytic graphite gauge for measuring heat flux

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bunker, Robert C. (Inventor); Ewing, Mark E. (Inventor); Shipley, John L. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A gauge for measuring heat flux, especially heat flux encountered in a high temperature environment, is provided. The gauge includes at least one thermocouple and an anisotropic pyrolytic graphite body that covers at least part of, and optionally encases the thermocouple. Heat flux is incident on the anisotropic pyrolytic graphite body by arranging the gauge so that the gauge surface on which convective and radiative fluxes are incident is perpendicular to the basal planes of the pyrolytic graphite. The conductivity of the pyrolytic graphite permits energy, transferred into the pyrolytic graphite body in the form of heat flux on the incident (or facing) surface, to be quickly distributed through the entire pyrolytic graphite body, resulting in small substantially instantaneous temperature gradients. Temperature changes to the body can thereby be measured by the thermocouple, and reduced to quantify the heat flux incident to the body.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on physical capacities and substrate oxidation rate in obese adolescents.

PubMed

Lazzer, S; Tringali, G; Caccavale, M; De Micheli, R; Abbruzzese, L; Sartorio, A

2017-02-01

To investigate the effects of a 3-week weight-management program entailing moderate energy restriction, nutritional education, psychological counseling and three different exercise training (a: low intensity, LI: 40 % V'O 2 max; b: high intensity, HI: 70 % V'O 2 max; c: high-intensity interval training, HIIT), on body composition, energy expenditure and fat oxidation rate in obese adolescents. Thirty obese adolescents (age: 15-17 years, BMI: 37.5 kg m -2 ) participated in this study. Before starting (week 0, W0) and at the end of the weight-management program (week 3, W3), body composition was assessed by an impedancemeter; basal metabolic rate (BMR), energy expenditure and substrate oxidation rate were measured during exercise and post-exercise recovery by indirect calorimetry. At W3, body mass (BM) and fat mass (FM) decreased significantly in all groups, the decreases being significantly greater in the LI than in the HI and HIIT subgroups (BM: -8.4 ± 1.5 vs -6.3 ± 1.9 vs -4.9 ± 1.3 kg and FM: -4.2 ± 1.9 vs -2.8 ± 1.2 vs -2.3 ± 1.4 kg, p < 0.05, respectively). V'O 2 peak, expressed in relative values, changed significantly only in the HI and HIIT groups by 0.009 ± 0.005 and 0.007 ± 0.004 L kg FFM -1  min -1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HI and HIIT subgroups exhibited a greater absolute rate of fat oxidation between 50 and 70 % V'O 2 peak at W3. No significant changes were observed at W3 in BMR, energy expenditure during exercise and post-exercise recovery. A 3-week weight-management program induced a greater decrease in BM and FM in the LI than in the HI and HIIT subgroups, and greater increase in V'O 2 peak and fat oxidation rate in the HI and HIIT than in the LI subgroup.

Holistic processing of human body postures: evidence from the composite effect.

PubMed

Willems, Sam; Vrancken, Leia; Germeys, Filip; Verfaillie, Karl

2014-01-01

The perception of socially relevant stimuli (e.g., faces and bodies) has received considerable attention in the vision science community. It is now widely accepted that human faces are processed holistically and not only analytically. One observation that has been taken as evidence for holistic face processing is the face composite effect: two identical top halves of a face tend to be perceived as being different when combined with different bottom halves. This supports the hypothesis that face processing proceeds holistically. Indeed, the interference effect disappears when the two face parts are misaligned (blocking holistic perception). In the present study, we investigated whether there is also a composite effect for the perception of body postures: are two identical body halves perceived as being in different poses when the irrelevant body halves differ from each other? Both a horizontal (i.e., top-bottom body halves; Experiment 1) and a vertical composite effect (i.e., left-right body halves; Experiment 2) were examined by means of a delayed matching-to-sample task. Results of both experiments indicate the existence of a body posture composite effect. This provides evidence for the hypothesis that body postures, as faces, are processed holistically.

Body composition and blood pressure in children based on age, race, and sex.

PubMed

Brandon, L J; Fillingim, J

1993-01-01

We evaluated 675 nine- and twelve-year-old children for body composition and circulatory differences based on age, race, and sex. The specific variables measured included height, weight, triceps and subscapula skinfolds, body mass index, percentage fat, fat-free weight, and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) test of significance showed body composition and blood pressure differences (P < .01) for race, age, and sex. The univariate test of the specific variables within the factors showed that black children had higher fat-free weights and lower fat levels but higher blood pressure values (P < .05) than white children. Boys had lower fat levels than girls, and the older children had higher values on the body composition variables but not on blood pressure. Zero order correlations between body composition and blood pressure ranged from 0.14 to 0.55; systolic blood pressure and body weight shared the highest correlation. These data show that, although black children have less body fat than white children, they are heavier and have higher blood pressure. We hypothesize that some aspect of fat-free body weight may contribute to hypertension in black individuals.

Holistic processing of human body postures: evidence from the composite effect

PubMed Central

Willems, Sam; Vrancken, Leia; Germeys, Filip; Verfaillie, Karl

2014-01-01

The perception of socially relevant stimuli (e.g., faces and bodies) has received considerable attention in the vision science community. It is now widely accepted that human faces are processed holistically and not only analytically. One observation that has been taken as evidence for holistic face processing is the face composite effect: two identical top halves of a face tend to be perceived as being different when combined with different bottom halves. This supports the hypothesis that face processing proceeds holistically. Indeed, the interference effect disappears when the two face parts are misaligned (blocking holistic perception). In the present study, we investigated whether there is also a composite effect for the perception of body postures: are two identical body halves perceived as being in different poses when the irrelevant body halves differ from each other? Both a horizontal (i.e., top-bottom body halves; Experiment 1) and a vertical composite effect (i.e., left-right body halves; Experiment 2) were examined by means of a delayed matching-to-sample task. Results of both experiments indicate the existence of a body posture composite effect. This provides evidence for the hypothesis that body postures, as faces, are processed holistically. PMID:24999337

Chart analysis of body composition change among pre- and postadolescent Japanese subjects assessed by underwater weighing method.

PubMed

Hattori, K; Tahara, Y; Moji, K; Aoyagi, K; Furusawa, T

2004-04-01

To examine the effect of age on the relationship between fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) by applying body composition chart analysis on pre- and postadolescent Japanese subjects. A sample of 516 children (244 boys and 272 girls) ranging in age from 11 to 17 y and 840 adults (288 male and 552 female subjects) ranging in age from 18 to 59 y were studied to determine a body composition by an underwater weighing method. FMI and FM were put on an x- and y-axis in body composition chart 1, and FFMI (FFM/ height(2)) and FMI (FM/height(2)) were taken on an x- and y-axis in body composition chart 2. In body composition chart 1, the plots for male subjects stayed flat from 11 to 14 y and after that a steady growth of FFM concurring with the FM growth was observed. During the adult stage, steady increments of FM and gradual decreases of FFM were observed. In body composition chart 2, steady increases of FFMI and gradual decreases of FMI were indicated in the male preadolescent period. In the adult stage, FFMI decreased year by year, although the FMI continued to increase. In female subjects, a conspicuous increase of FMI was observed throughout all periods of the present subjects. After middle age, the decline of FFMI was characteristically demonstrated in the chart. The relationships between FFM and FM are characteristically delineated on the body composition charts demonstrating clear gender differences. The change of body mass index was not reflecting the change of adiposity level in male subjects, although it was occurring along with the changes of the adiposity level in female subjects.

Effects of heat stress on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in growing pigs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Heat stress (HS) jeopardizes human and animal health and reduces animal agriculture productivity; however, its pathophysiology is not well understood. Study objectives were to evaluate the effects of HS on basal and stimulated energetic metabolism. Crossbred female pigs (57±5 kg body weight) were ...

Associations of Parental Self-Efficacy with Diet, Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Swedish Preschoolers: Results from the MINISTOP Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parekh, Niyati; Henriksson, Pontus; Delisle Nyström, Christine; Silfvernagel, Kristin; Ruiz, Jonatan R.; Ortega, Francisco B.; Pomeroy, Jeremy; Löf, Marie

2018-01-01

Background: High parental self-efficacy (PSE) has been associated with healthy diets and higher levels of physical activity (PA) in children; however, data on PSE in relation to body weight and body composition are scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of PSE with measures of diet, PA, body composition, and physical…

Gender differences in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and their relation to body composition in active Brazilian adolescents.

PubMed

Nogueira, Julia Aparecida Devide; Macedo da Costa, Teresa Helena

2009-01-01

Body weight and composition are determined by genotype, environment, and energy balance. Physical activity or sedentary behavior have different associations with body weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass, a relationship that is not clear in adolescents. The aim of this study was to test the associations between gender, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and body composition in physically active adolescents. Weight, height, and skinfold thickness were measured in 326 physically active boys and girls age 11 to 15 years. All subjects answered a questionnaire assessing their usual daily activities for the last month. Time spent on each activity was used to estimate the physical activity level (PAL). PAL was associated with body composition after adjustment for age and maturation, with differences between genders. For boys, PAL was positively and significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (beta=0.14 and 0.15, respectively). For girls, PAL was negatively and significantly associated with BMI and fat mass index (beta=-0.11 and -0.75, respectively). Sedentary behavior, expressed by hours of TV, videogame, and computer use, was not associated with any body-composition outcome for either gender. The accumulated amount of physical activity, but not of sedentary behavior, was related to body composition in active adolescents.

Nutritional Recovery after Open and Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Comparative Trial (CCOG1204).

PubMed

Matsushita, Hidenobu; Tanaka, Chie; Murotani, Kenta; Misawa, Kazunari; Ito, Seiji; Ito, Yuichi; Kanda, Mitsuro; Mochizuki, Yoshinari; Ishigure, Kiyoshi; Yaguchi, Toyohisa; Teramoto, Jin; Nakayama, Hiroshi; Kawase, Yoshihisa; Fujiwara, Michitaka; Kodera, Yasuhiro

2018-01-01

Little information from prospective clinical trials is available on the influences of surgical approaches on postoperative body compositions and nutritional status. We designed a prospective non-randomized trial to compare postoperative chronological changes in body composition and nutritional status between laparoscopic and open distal gastrectomy for stage I gastric cancer (GC). Body compositions and nutritional indicators in blood tests were measured at the baseline and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th postoperative months (POM). The primary end point was the decrease relative to the baseline in the body muscle mass at POM 6. Ninety-six patients for the laparoscopic group and 52 for the open group were eligible for data analysis. No significant differences were found in any baseline demographics, body compositions, and nutritional indicators between the groups. The changes of body muscle mass at POM 6 were similar in both groups. Overall, no significant differences between the groups were observed in any of the body composition and nutritional indicators during the first year after surgery. Postoperative body compositions and nutritional status were not affected by surgical approaches during the first 12 months after surgery in patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for stage I GC. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Clinical anthropometrics and body composition from 3D whole-body surface scans

PubMed Central

Ng, BK; Hinton, BJ; Fan, B; Kanaya, AM; Shepherd, JA

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Obesity is a significant worldwide epidemic that necessitates accessible tools for robust body composition analysis. We investigated whether widely available 3D body surface scanners can provide clinically relevant direct anthropometrics (circumferences, areas and volumes) and body composition estimates (regional fat/lean masses). SUBJECTS/METHODS Thirty-nine healthy adults stratified by age, sex and body mass index (BMI) underwent whole-body 3D scans, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography and tape measurements. Linear regressions were performed to assess agreement between 3D measurements and criterion methods. Linear models were derived to predict DXA body composition from 3D scan measurements. Thirty-seven external fitness center users underwent 3D scans and bioelectrical impedance analysis for model validation. RESULTS 3D body scan measurements correlated strongly to criterion methods: waist circumference R2 = 0.95, hip circumference R2 = 0.92, surface area R2 = 0.97 and volume R2 = 0.99. However, systematic differences were observed for each measure due to discrepancies in landmark positioning. Predictive body composition equations showed strong agreement for whole body (fat mass R2 = 0.95, root mean square error (RMSE) = 2.4 kg; fat-free mass R2 = 0.96, RMSE = 2.2 kg) and arms, legs and trunk (R2 = 0.79–0.94, RMSE = 0.5–1.7 kg). Visceral fat prediction showed moderate agreement (R2 = 0.75, RMSE = 0.11 kg). CONCLUSIONS 3D surface scanners offer precise and stable automated measurements of body shape and composition. Software updates may be needed to resolve measurement biases resulting from landmark positioning discrepancies. Further studies are justified to elucidate relationships between body shape, composition and metabolic health across sex, age, BMI and ethnicity groups, as well as in those with metabolic disorders. PMID:27329614

State-of-the-art measurements in human body composition: A moving frontier of clinical importance.

PubMed

Gallagher, D; Shaheen, I; Zafar, K

2008-01-01

The measurement of human body composition allows for the estimation of body tissues, organs, and their distributions in living persons without inflicting harm. From a nutritional perspective, the interest in body composition has increased multi-fold with the global increase in the prevalence of obesity and its complications. The latter has driven in part the need for improved measurement methods with greater sensitivity and precision. There is no single gold standard for body-composition measurements in-vivo. All methods incorporate assumptions that do not apply in all individuals and the more accurate models are derived by using a combination of measurements, thereby reducing the importance of each assumption. This review will discuss why the measurement of body composition or human phenotyping is important; discuss new areas where the measurement of body composition (human phenotyping) is recognized as having important application; and will summarize recent advances made in new methodology. Reference will also be made to areas we cannot yet measure due to the lack of appropriate measurement methodologies, most especially measurements methods that provide information on kinetic states (not just static state) and metabolic function.

State-of-the-art measurements in human body composition: A moving frontier of clinical importance

PubMed Central

Gallagher, D.; Shaheen, I.; Zafar, K.

2010-01-01

The measurement of human body composition allows for the estimation of body tissues, organs, and their distributions in living persons without inflicting harm. From a nutritional perspective, the interest in body composition has increased multi-fold with the global increase in the prevalence of obesity and its complications. The latter has driven in part the need for improved measurement methods with greater sensitivity and precision. There is no single gold standard for body-composition measurements in-vivo. All methods incorporate assumptions that do not apply in all individuals and the more accurate models are derived by using a combination of measurements, thereby reducing the importance of each assumption. This review will discuss why the measurement of body composition or human phenotyping is important; discuss new areas where the measurement of body composition (human phenotyping) is recognized as having important application; and will summarize recent advances made in new methodology. Reference will also be made to areas we cannot yet measure due to the lack of appropriate measurement methodologies, most especially measurements methods that provide information on kinetic states (not just static state) and metabolic function. PMID:21234275

Effects on body weight and body composition of a low-dose oral estroprogestin containing ethinyl estradiol 20 microg plus levonorgestrel 100 microg.

PubMed

Lello, Stefano; Vittori, Giorgio; Paoletti, Anna Maria; Sorge, Roberto; Guardianelli, Francesca; Melis, Gian Benedetto

2007-11-01

Weight gain is a common problem reported by users of estroprogestins (EPs) and is a frequent reason for EP discontinuation, even if this problem is not confirmed in several clinical studies. We studied the impact of a EP containing ethinyl estradiol (EE) 20 microg plus levonorgestrel (LNG) 100 microg on body weight (BW) and body composition in 47 treated women and 31 women as controls. Also, we studied the effect of this association on metabolic parameters (glycemia, lipid profile). EE20/LNG100 had no significant impact on body weight, body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, total body water, intracellular water, extracellular water) or metabolic profile in comparison with no treatment. Thus, the use of EE20/LNG100 showed no impact on metabolic parameters, body weight and body composition. This could be important not only for the safety profile of this combination, but also in increasing patient compliance.

Anthropometry-based Equations to Estimate Body Composition: A Suitable Alternative in Renal Transplant Recipients and Patients With Nondialysis Dependent Kidney Disease?

PubMed

Wilkinson, Thomas J; Richler-Potts, Danielle; Nixon, Daniel G D; Neale, Jill; Smith, Alice C

2018-05-24

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are characterized by aberrant body composition such as muscle wasting and obesity. It is still unknown which is the most accurate method to estimate body composition in CKD. We investigated the validity of the Hume equation and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as an estimate of body composition against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a cohort of nondialysis dependent (NDD)-CKD and RTRs. This was a cross-sectional study with agreement analysis of different assessments of body composition conducted in 61 patients (35 RTRs and 26 NDD-CKD) in a secondary care hospital setting in the UK. Body composition (lean mass [LM], fat mass [FM], and body fat% [BF%]) was assessed using multifrequency BIA and DXA, and estimated using the Hume formula. Method agreement was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), regression, and plotted by Bland and Altman analysis. Both BIA and the Hume formula were able to accurately estimate body composition against DXA. In both groups, the BIA overestimated LM (1.7-2.1 kg, ICC .980-.984) and underestimated FM (1.3-2.1 kg, ICC .967-.972) and BF% (3.1-3.8%, ICC .927-.954). The Hume formula also overestimated LM (3.5-3.6 kg, ICC .950-.960) and underestimated BF% (1.9-2.1%, ICC .808-.859). Hume-derived FM was almost identical to DXA in both groups (-0.3 to 0.1 kg, ICC .947-.960). Our results demonstrate, in RTR and NDD-CKD patients, that the Hume formula, whose estimation of body composition is based only upon height, body mass, age, and sex, may reliably predict the same parameters obtained by DXA. In addition, BIA also provided similar estimates versus DXA. Thus, the Hume formula and BIA could provide simple and inexpensive means to estimate body composition in renal disease. Copyright © 2018 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in evolving food webs.

PubMed

Allhoff, K T; Drossel, B

2016-05-19

We use computer simulations in order to study the interplay between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) during both the formation and the ongoing evolution of large food webs. A species in our model is characterized by its own body mass, its preferred prey body mass and the width of its potential prey body mass spectrum. On an ecological time scale, population dynamics determines which species are viable and which ones go extinct. On an evolutionary time scale, new species emerge as modifications of existing ones. The network structure thus emerges and evolves in a self-organized manner. We analyse the relation between functional diversity and five community level measures of ecosystem functioning. These are the metabolic loss of the predator community, the total biomasses of the basal and the predator community, and the consumption rates on the basal community and within the predator community. Clear BEF relations are observed during the initial build-up of the networks, or when parameters are varied, causing bottom-up or top-down effects. However, ecosystem functioning measures fluctuate only very little during long-term evolution under constant environmental conditions, despite changes in functional diversity. This result supports the hypothesis that trophic cascades are weaker in more complex food webs. © 2016 The Author(s).

Body composition and somatotypes of male Zimbabwean Premier League football referees.

PubMed

Banda, Morris; Grobbelaar, Heinrich W; Terblanche, Elmarie

2018-04-20

Elite athletes need to optimise their body composition to deliver world class performances and this argument could be extended to elite referees as well. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of body composition information among football referees. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the body composition and somatotypes of male football referees and assistant referees who officiated in the 2013 Zimbabwe Premier Football League. Forty-one participants (21 referees, 20 assistant referees; 8 FIFA, 33 ZIFA licenced referees) with a mean age of 34.89 ± 5.13 years took part. They had on average 10.85 ± 3.85 years of refereeing experience. The ISAK restricted anthropometric profile was used to measure body mass, height, skinfolds, girths and bone breadths, from which body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), percentage body fat and somatotype were calculated. The referees were significantly taller than the assistant referees. The FIFA referees had moderately more desirable anthropometric profiles than the ZIFA referees. With a mean somatotype of 2.62-4.65-2.65, the total sample could be classified as balanced mesomorphs. They had lower BMI and body fat percentages than that observed among referees from other nationalities in the available literature. The results add to the paucity of information on the body composition of football officials. Referees aiming to excel at higher levels need to obtain and maintain an ideal body composition since elite level football is intense and requires high fitness levels.

The effect of Pilates exercise on body composition in sedentary overweight and obese women.

PubMed

Şavkin, Raziye; Aslan, Ummuhan B

2017-11-01

Pilates is a popular exercise approach among women. Still there is poor empirical quantitative evidence indicating a positive effect of Pilates exercises on body composition. The aim of our study is to determine the effects of Pilates exercises on body composition in sedentary overweight and obese women. Thirty-seven women, aged between 30 to 50 (43.79±4.88) years, included the study. Subjects are randomly divided into Pilates group (N.=19) and control group (N.=18). Pilates exercises was given for 90 minutes, 3 times/week, for 8 week with a gradual strength increase of 11-17 in the Rating of Perceived Exercise. Control group did not participate in any physical activity program. Bioelectric Impedance Analysis was used for determine the body composition of participants. Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat mass, lean body mass, waist, abdomen and hip circumference were measured at pre- and post-training period. In Pilates group, weight, BMI, fat percentage, waist, abdomen and hip circumference decreased significantly after training (P<0.05) while no significant difference was observed in lean body mass (P>0.05). In control group, abdomen and hip circumference increased significantly (P<0.05) as the other parameters showed the tendency for an increase, but no significant difference (P<0.05). The results of this study indicate that 8 weeks Pilates exercises have positive effects on body composition in sedentary overweight and obese women. Pilates exercises can be applied for improving body composition.

The composite water and solute transport of barley (Hordeum vulgare) roots: effect of suberized barriers.

PubMed

Ranathunge, Kosala; Kim, Yangmin X; Wassmann, Friedrich; Kreszies, Tino; Zeisler, Viktoria; Schreiber, Lukas

2017-03-01

Roots have complex anatomical structures, and certain localized cell layers develop suberized apoplastic barriers. The size and tightness of these barriers depend on the growth conditions and on the age of the root. Such complex anatomical structures result in a composite water and solute transport in roots. Development of apoplastic barriers along barley seminal roots was detected using various staining methods, and the suberin amounts in the apical and basal zones were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectometry (GC-MS). The hydraulic conductivity of roots ( Lp r ) and of cortical cells ( Lp c ) was measured using root and cell pressure probes. When grown in hydroponics, barley roots did not form an exodermis, even at their basal zones. However, they developed an endodermis. Endodermal Casparian bands first appeared as 'dots' as early as at 20 mm from the apex, whereas a patchy suberin lamellae appeared at 60 mm. The endodermal suberin accounted for the total suberin of the roots. The absolute amount in the basal zone was significantly higher than in the apical zone, which was inversely proportional to the Lp r . Comparison of Lp r and Lp c suggested that cell to cell pathways dominate for water transport in roots. However, the calculation of Lp r from Lp c showed that at least 26 % of water transport occurs through the apoplast. Roots had different solute permeabilities ( P sr ) and reflection coefficients ( σ sr ) for the solutes used. The σ sr was below unity for the solutes, which have virtually zero permeability for semi-permeable membranes. Suberized endodermis significantly reduces Lp r of seminal roots. The water and solute transport across barley roots is composite in nature and they do not behave like ideal osmometers. The composite transport model should be extended by adding components arranged in series (cortex, endodermis) in addition to the currently included components arranged in parallel (apoplastic, cell to cell pathways). © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company.

Body Composition Measurements of 161-km Ultramarathon Participants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study compares body composition characteristics with performance among participants in a 161-km trail ultramarathon. Height, mass, and percent body fat from bioimpedence spectroscopy were measured on 72 starters. Correlation analyses were used to compare body characteristics with finish time, ...

Effect of puberty on body composition.

PubMed

Loomba-Albrecht, Lindsey A; Styne, Dennis M

2009-02-01

Here we examine the effect of puberty on components of human body composition, including adiposity (total body fat, percentage body fat and fat distribution), lean body mass and bone mineral content and density. New methods and longitudinal studies have expended our knowledge of these remarkable changes. Human differences in adiposity, fat free mass and bone mass reflect differences in endocrine status (particularly with respect to estrogens, androgens, growth hormone and IGF-1), genetic factors, ethnicity and the environment. During puberty, males gain greater amounts of fat free mass and skeletal mass, whereas females acquire significantly more fat mass. Both genders reach peak bone accretion during the pubertal years, though males develop a greater skeletal mass. Body proportions and fat distribution change during the pubertal years as well, with males assuming a more android body shape and females assuming a more gynecoid shape. Pubertal body composition may predict adult body composition and affects both pubertal timing and future health. Sexual dimorphism exists to a small degree at birth, but striking differences develop during the pubertal years. The development of this dimorphism in body composition is largely regulated by endocrine factors, with critical roles played by growth hormone and gonadal steroids. It is important for clinicians and researchers to know the normal changes in order to address pathologic findings in disease states.

Peer Victimisation and Its Relationships with Perceptions of Body Composition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frisen, Ann; Lunde, Carolina; Hwang, Philip

2009-01-01

The present study examined the links between children's exposure to peer victimisation, in terms of type and frequency, their body composition and subjective perceptions of body composition. A total of 960 Swedish 10-year-olds (515 girls and 445 boys) completed questionnaires about their peer victimisation experiences, weight and height, and…

Energy Balance: Assessing Dietary Intake and Changes in Body Composition during National Outdoor Leadership School Expeditions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Cass A.; Masters, Melissa A.; Rochelle, Shannon; Ruden, Tim; Gookin, John

2017-01-01

This study examined the relationship between dietary intake and changes in participants' (N = 39) body composition during National Outdoor Leadership School courses. Body composition, height, and weight were measured pre- and posttrip. Participants completed food logs to record daily dietary intake. Changes in anthropometric measurements were…

Imaging methods for analyzing body composition in human obesity and cardiometabolic disease.

PubMed

Seabolt, Lynn A; Welch, E Brian; Silver, Heidi J

2015-09-01

Advances in the technological qualities of imaging modalities for assessing human body composition have been stimulated by accumulating evidence that individual components of body composition have significant influences on chronic disease onset, disease progression, treatment response, and health outcomes. Importantly, imaging modalities have provided a systematic method for differentiating phenotypes of body composition that diverge from what is considered normal, that is, having low bone mass (osteopenia/osteoporosis), low muscle mass (sarcopenia), high fat mass (obesity), or high fat with low muscle mass (sarcopenic obesity). Moreover, advances over the past three decades in the sensitivity and quality of imaging not just to discern the amount and distribution of adipose and lean tissue but also to differentiate layers or depots within tissues and cells is enhancing our understanding of distinct mechanistic, metabolic, and functional roles of body composition within human phenotypes. In this review, we focus on advances in imaging technologies that show great promise for future investigation of human body composition and how they are being used to address the pandemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. © 2015 New York Academy of Sciences.

Effects of Whole Body Vibration Training on Body Composition in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gonzalez-Aguero, Alejandro; Matute-Llorente, Angel; Gomez-Cabello, Alba; Casajus, Jose A.; Vicente-Rodriguez, German

2013-01-01

The present study aimed to determine the effect of 20 weeks of whole body vibration (WBV) on the body composition of adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Thirty adolescent with DS were divided into two groups: control and WBV. Whole body, upper and lower limbs body fat and lean body mass were measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)…

Strength training and body composition in middle-age women.

PubMed

Burrup, Rachelle; Tucker, Larry A; LE Cheminant, James D; Bailey, Bruce W

2018-01-01

Strength training is a sound method to improve body composition. However, the effect of age, diet, menopause, and physical activity on the relationship between strength training and body composition in women remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the intricacies of the relationship between strength training and body composition in 257 middle-age women and to quantify the effect of these factors on the association. The study was cross-sectional. Five variables were used to index strength training participation. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Diet was assessed by 7-day weighed food records, and physical activity was measured objectively using accelerometers. There were 109 strength trainers in the sample. For each day per week of strength training, body fat was 1.3 percentage points lower (F=14.8, P<0.001) and fat-free mass was 656 g higher (F=18.9, P<0.001). Likewise, the more time women spent lifting and the more intensely they trained, the better their body composition tended to be. Differences in age, energy and protein consumption had little effect on the associations. However, adjusting for differences in physical activity, and to a lesser extent, menopause status, weakened the relationships significantly. The more days, time, and effort women devote to strength training, the lower their body fat and the higher their fat-free mass tend to be. A significant portion of the differences in body composition seems to result from lifters participating in more physical activity than non-lifters. Menopause status also contributes significantly to the relationship.

[Dermoepidermic junction: a selective, complex and vital barrier].

PubMed

Frede, Silvia C; Dionisio de Cabalier, María E; Zaya, Alejandro; Hliba, Ernesto

2004-01-01

Dermoepidermic junction (DEJ) is a highly complex region, containing a great variety of cellular elements, which despite of having different embriogenesis, interact with each other, generating different substances that keep the function and homeostasis of the greatest organ of the human body. DEJ is regarded as a highly specialized basal lamina, which acts as a highly selective pathway for the migration of cells and macromolecules, inducing cellular differentiation and micro enviromental metabolism modifications. DEJ may be divided into three zones regarding the basal lamina 1--the nearest to epidermic zone, having tonofilaments and hemidesmosomes, which keep anchored basal cells. This region is limited by the lamina densa 2--the intermediate zone, represented exclusively by lamina densa and finally the lamina 3,--the third region--extends from lamina densa to the upper dermis and extracelullar matrix. Despite there is much to learn about DEJ, the knowledge about each molecule and function of every compartment will enable us to know more about the pathogenesis of several dermatologic diseases, with a great prevalence in the clinical practice.

The evolution of floral biology in basal angiosperms

PubMed Central

Endress, Peter K.

2010-01-01

In basal angiosperms (including ANITA grade, magnoliids, Choranthaceae, Ceratophyllaceae) almost all bisexual flowers are dichogamous (with male and female functions more or less separated in time), and nearly 100 per cent of those are protogynous (with female function before male function). Movements of floral parts and differential early abscission of stamens in the male phase are variously associated with protogyny. Evolution of synchronous dichogamy based on the day/night rhythm and anthesis lasting 2 days is common. In a few clades in Magnoliales and Laurales heterodichogamy has also evolved. Beetles, flies and thrips are the major pollinators, with various degrees of specialization up to large beetles and special flies in some large-flowered Nymphaeaceae, Magnoliaceae, Annonaceae and Aristolochiaceae. Unusual structural specializations are involved in floral biological adaptations (calyptras, inner staminodes, synandria and food bodies, and secretory structures on tepals, stamens and staminodes). Numerous specializations that are common in monocots and eudicots are absent in basal angiosperms. Several families are poorly known in their floral biology. PMID:20047868

Body-composition changes in the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE)-2 study: A 2-y randomized controlled trial of calorie restriction in nonobese humans

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Calorie restriction (CR) retards aging and increases longevity in many animal models. However, it is unclear whether CR can be implemented in humans without adverse effects on body composition. We evaluated the effect of a 2-year CR regimen on body composition including the influence of sex and body...

Effects of composite antimicrobial peptides in weanling piglets challenged with deoxynivalenol: II. Intestinal morphology and function.

PubMed

Xiao, H; Tan, B E; Wu, M M; Yin, Y L; Li, T J; Yuan, D X; Li, L

2013-10-01

Deoxynivalenol (DON) affects animal and human health and targets the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of composite antimicrobial peptides (CAP) to repair intestinal injury in piglets challenged with DON. A total of 28 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large Yorkshire) weaned at 28 d of age were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 treatments (7 pigs/treatment): negative control, basal diet (NC), basal diet + 0.4% composite antimicrobial peptide (CAP), basal diet + 4 mg/kg DON (DON), and basal diet + 4 mg/kg DON + 0.4% CAP (DON + CAP). After an adaptation period of 7 d, blood samples were collected on d 15 and 30 after the initiation of treatment for determinations of the concentrations of D-lactate and diamine oxidase. At the end of the study, all piglets were slaughtered to obtain small intestines for the determination of intestinal morphology, epithelial cell proliferation, and protein expression in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. The results showed that DON increased serum concentrations of D-lactate and diamine oxidase, and these values in the CAP and DON + CAP treatments were less than those in the NC and DON treatments, respectively (P < 0.05). The villous height/crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum and the goblet cell number in the ileum in the CAP and DON + CAP treatments were greater than those in the NC and DON treatments (P < 0.05). The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling indexes for the jejunum and ileum in the DON + CAP treatment were greater than those in the DON treatment (P < 0.05). The DON decreased (P < 0.05) the relative protein expression of phosphorylated Akt (Protein Kinase B) and mTOR in the jejunal and ileal mucosa and of phosphorylated 4E-binding protein 1 (p-4EBP1) in the jejunal mucosa, whereas CAP increased (P < 0.05) the protein expression of p-4EBP1 in the jejunum. These findings showed that DON could enhance intestinal permeability, damage villi, cause epithelial cell apoptosis, and inhibit protein synthesis, whereas CAP improved intestinal morphology and promoted intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and protein synthesis, indicating that CAP may repair the intestinal injury induced by DON.

Pyronin Y (basic xanthene dye)-bentonite composite: A spectroscopic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabak, A.; Kaya, M.; Yilmaz, N.; Meral, K.; Onganer, Y.; Caglar, B.; Sungur, O.

2014-02-01

The expansion by 1.43 Angstrom of basal spacing and the shift to higher frequencies of in-plane ring vibrations of the Pyronin Y molecule at 1603 and 1527 cm-1 on the formation of Pyronin Y-bentonite composite exhibited that the dye cations might be oriented as a monolayer form in the interlamellar spacing with aromatic rings parallel to clay layers. Thermal analysis results of this composite compared to those of raw bentonite signified the different outer sphere water entities associated with the replacement of inorganic cations with organic dye cations and the gradual decomposition of the organic molecule in the interlamellar spacing. Thermo-Infrared spectra of Pyronin Y-bentonite sample up to high temperatures showed the thermal stability of the dye-clay composite as a result of the presence of π interactions. The pore structure characteristics of Pyronin Y-bentonite composite exhibited the increase in the number of mesopores during formation of the composite.

Autoadjusting-CPAP effect on serum Leptin concentrations in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea patients

PubMed Central

Drummond, Marta; Winck, João C; Guimarães, João T; Santos, Ana C; Almeida, João; Marques, José A

2008-01-01

Background Leptin is an hormone that regulates body weight. Studies have shown increasing leptin concentrations according to body mass index (BMI) and intermittent hypoxia. Our aim is to evaluate the basal leptin levels in OSA patients and its possible relation to OSA severity, independently of confounders and investigate the Autoadjusting-CPAP effect on leptin values. Methods In ninety eight male patients with moderate to severe OSA leptin serum levels were evaluated before therapy, 9 days and 6 months after therapy. Results In this group mean age was 55.3 years, mean BMI was 33.2 Kg/m2 and mean Apnoea- Hypopnea Index (AHI) was 51.7/h. Mean basal serum leptin value was 12.1 ug/L. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between serum leptin values and BMI (R = 0.68; p < 0.001), waist-hip ratio (R = 0.283; p = 0.004) and AHI (R = 0.198; p = 0.048); in stepwise multiple regression analysis only BMI (p < 0.001) was a predictor of serum leptin values. One week after therapy, mean leptin serum level decreased to 11.0 ug/L and 6 months after it was 11.4 ug/L. (p = 0.56 and p = 0.387, respectively) Conclusion Baseline leptin serum levels positively correlate with BMI, fat distributioand OSA severity. BMI is the only predictor of basal leptin levels. Treatment with Autoadjusting-CPAP has a small effect on leptin levels. PMID:18828917

The effect of long term combined yoga practice on the basal metabolic rate of healthy adults.

PubMed

Chaya, M S; Kurpad, A V; Nagendra, H R; Nagarathna, R

2006-08-31

Different procedures practiced in yoga have stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the basal metabolic rate when studied acutely. In daily life however, these procedures are usually practiced in combination. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the net change in the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of individuals actively engaging in a combination of yoga practices (asana or yogic postures, meditation and pranayama or breathing exercises) for a minimum period of six months, at a residential yoga education and research center at Bangalore. The measured BMR of individuals practicing yoga through a combination of practices was compared with that of control subjects who did not practice yoga but led similar lifestyles. The BMR of the yoga practitioners was significantly lower than that of the non-yoga group, and was lower by about 13 % when adjusted for body weight (P < 0.001). This difference persisted when the groups were stratified by gender; however, the difference in BMR adjusted for body weight was greater in women than men (about 8 and 18% respectively). In addition, the mean BMR of the yoga group was significantly lower than their predicted values, while the mean BMR of non-yoga group was comparable with their predicted values derived from 1985 WHO/FAO/UNU predictive equations. This study shows that there is a significantly reduced BMR, probably linked to reduced arousal, with the long term practice of yoga using a combination of stimulatory and inhibitory yogic practices.

The effect of long term combined yoga practice on the basal metabolic rate of healthy adults

PubMed Central

Chaya, MS; Kurpad, AV; Nagendra, HR; Nagarathna, R

2006-01-01

Background Different procedures practiced in yoga have stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the basal metabolic rate when studied acutely. In daily life however, these procedures are usually practiced in combination. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the net change in the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of individuals actively engaging in a combination of yoga practices (asana or yogic postures, meditation and pranayama or breathing exercises) for a minimum period of six months, at a residential yoga education and research center at Bangalore. Methods The measured BMR of individuals practicing yoga through a combination of practices was compared with that of control subjects who did not practice yoga but led similar lifestyles. Results The BMR of the yoga practitioners was significantly lower than that of the non-yoga group, and was lower by about 13 % when adjusted for body weight (P < 0.001). This difference persisted when the groups were stratified by gender; however, the difference in BMR adjusted for body weight was greater in women than men (about 8 and 18% respectively). In addition, the mean BMR of the yoga group was significantly lower than their predicted values, while the mean BMR of non-yoga group was comparable with their predicted values derived from 1985 WHO/FAO/UNU predictive equations. Conclusion This study shows that there is a significantly reduced BMR, probably linked to reduced arousal, with the long term practice of yoga using a combination of stimulatory and inhibitory yogic practices. PMID:16945127

Relationship between motor proficiency and body composition in 6- to 10-year-old children.

PubMed

Marmeleira, José; Veiga, Guida; Cansado, Hugo; Raimundo, Armando

2017-04-01

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between motor skill competence and body composition of 6- to 10-year-old children. Seventy girls and 86 boys participated. Body composition was measured by body mass index and skinfold thickness. Motor proficiency was evaluated through the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form, which included measures of gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Significant associations were found for both sexes between the percentage of body fat and (i) the performance in each gross motor task, (ii) the composite score for gross motor skills and (iii) the motor proficiency score. The percentage of body fat was not significantly associated with the majority of the fine motor skills items and with the respective composite score. Considering body weigh categories, children with normal weight had significantly higher scores than their peers with overweight or with obesity in gross motor skills and in overall motor proficiency. Children's motor proficiency is negatively associated with body fat, and normal weight children show better motor competence than those who are overweight or obese. The negative impact of excessive body weight is stronger for gross motor skills that involve dynamic body movements than for stationary object control skills; fine motor skills appear to be relatively independent of the constraints imposed by excessive body weight. © 2017 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Relationships between cognitive function and body composition among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Noh, Hye-Mi; Oh, Sohee; Song, Hong Ji; Lee, Eun Young; Jeong, Jin-Young; Ryu, Ohk-Hyun; Hong, Kyung-Soon; Kim, Dong-Hyun

2017-11-02

Previous studies reported mixed results regarding the association between cognition and body weight in late life. We evaluated the relationships between cognitive function and body composition among community-dwelling older adults. Three hundred twenty subjects (≥65 years, women 53%) with available data of cognitive function and body composition from 2010 Hallym Aging Study. Cognitive function was assessed using Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used for measuring body composition including body fat and lean body mass. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory data were collected in clinical examination. Body composition variables were divided into sex-specific tertiles, and examined by multivariable logistic regression. Among female, the highest tertile group of fat mass and second tertile group of total lean body mass were associated with lower risk for cognitive impairment compared to the respective first tertile groups (odds ratios, 0.23 and 0.09, respectively; 95% confidence intervals, 0.04-0.88 and 0.01-0.44, respectively) after adjusting for confounding factors. In male, higher arm bone mineral content was associated with lower risk for cognitive impairment, but significance was lost after adjusting for adiponectin, age, and education. Higher fat mass and lean body mass were associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment in older women. These observations suggest that body fat and lean mass later in life might be beneficial for cognition.

Mast cell distribution in normal adult skin.

PubMed

Janssens, A S; Heide, R; den Hollander, J C; Mulder, P G M; Tank, B; Oranje, A P

2005-03-01

To investigate mast cell distribution in normal adult skin to provide a reference range for comparison with mastocytosis. Mast cells (MCs) were counted in uninvolved skin adjacent to basal cell carcinomas and other dermatological disorders in adults. There was an uneven distribution of MCs in different body sites using the anti-tryptase monoclonal antibody technique. Numbers of MCs on the trunk, upper arm, and upper leg were similar, but were significantly different from those found on the lower leg and forearm. Two distinct groups were formed--proximal and distal. There were 77.0 MCs/mm2 at proximal body sites and 108.2 MCs/mm2 at distal sites. Adjusted for the adjacent diagnosis and age, this difference was consistent. The numbers of MCs in uninvolved skin adjacent to basal cell carcinomas and other dermatological disorders were not different from those in the control group. Differences in the numbers of MCs between the distal and the proximal body sites must be considered when MCs are counted for a reliable diagnosis of mastocytosis. A pilot study in patients with mastocytosis underlined the variation in the numbers of MCs in mastocytosis and normal skin, but showed a considerable overlap. The observed numbers of MCs in adults cannot be extrapolated to children. MC numbers varied significantly between proximal and distal body sites and these differences must be considered when MCs are counted for a reliable diagnosis of mastocytosis. There was a considerable overlap between the numbers of MCs in mastocytosis and normal skin.

Changes in blood glucose and insulin responses to intravenous glucose tolerance tests and blood biochemical values in adult female Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus).

PubMed

Kamine, Akari; Shimozuru, Michito; Shibata, Haruki; Tsubota, Toshio

2012-02-01

The metabolic mechanisms to circannual changes in body mass of bears have yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized that the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) has a metabolic mechanism that efficiently converts carbohydrates into body fat by altering insulin sensitivity during the hyperphagic stage before hibernation. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the changes in blood biochemical values and glucose and insulin responses to intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) during the active season (August, early and late November). Four, adult, female bears (5-17 years old) were anesthetized with 6 mg/kg TZ (tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl) in combination with 0.1 mg/kg acepromazine maleate. The bears were injected intravenously with glucose (0.5 g/kg of body mass), and blood samples were obtained before, at, and intermittently after glucose injection. The basal triglycerides concentration decreased significantly with increase in body mass from August to November. Basal levels of plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations were not significantly different among groups. The results of IVGTT demonstrated the increased peripheral insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in early November. In contrast, peripheral insulin resistance was indicated by the exaggerated insulin response in late November. Our findings suggest that bears shift their glucose and lipid metabolism from the stage of normal activity to the hyperphagic stage in which they show lipogenic-predominant metabolism and accelerate glucose uptake by increasing the peripheral insulin sensitivity.

The Dynamics of Human Body Weight Change

PubMed Central

Chow, Carson C.; Hall, Kevin D.

2008-01-01

An imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure will lead to a change in body weight (mass) and body composition (fat and lean masses). A quantitative understanding of the processes involved, which currently remains lacking, will be useful in determining the etiology and treatment of obesity and other conditions resulting from prolonged energy imbalance. Here, we show that a mathematical model of the macronutrient flux balances can capture the long-term dynamics of human weight change; all previous models are special cases of this model. We show that the generic dynamic behavior of body composition for a clamped diet can be divided into two classes. In the first class, the body composition and mass are determined uniquely. In the second class, the body composition can exist at an infinite number of possible states. Surprisingly, perturbations of dietary energy intake or energy expenditure can give identical responses in both model classes, and existing data are insufficient to distinguish between these two possibilities. Nevertheless, this distinction has important implications for the efficacy of clinical interventions that alter body composition and mass. PMID:18369435

Relationship between body temperature, weight, and hematological parameters of black tufted-ear marmosets (Callithrix penicillata).

PubMed

Pereira, Lucas Cardoso; Barros, Marilia

2016-06-01

Basal thermal values of captive adult black tufted-ear marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) in a thermoneutral environment were measured via different methods, along with body weight and hematological parameters. Body temperatures were recorded with rectal (RC), subcutaneous (SC) microchip transponder and infrared (left and right) tympanic membrane (TM) thermometries. Thermal values were correlated with body mass and some hematological data. Similar RC and SC temperatures were observed, these being significantly higher than the left and right TM values. SC temperature was positively correlated and in close agreement with RC measurements. Although body temperatures were not influenced by gender, capture time, or body weight, they were correlated with hematological parameters. Thus, body temperatures in this species seem to reflect some of the characteristics of the assessments' location, with SC microchip transponders being a less invasive method to assess body temperature in these small-bodied non-human primates. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fasting and meal-induced CCK and PP secretion following intragastric balloon treatment for obesity.

PubMed

Mathus-Vliegen, Elisabeth M H; de Groot, Gerrit H

2013-05-01

Satiety is centrally and peripherally mediated by gastrointestinal peptides and the vagal nerve. We aimed to investigate whether intragastric balloon treatment affects satiety through effects on fasting and meal-stimulated cholecystokinin (CCK) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) secretion. Patients referred for obesity treatment were randomised to 13 weeks of sham treatment followed by 13 weeks of balloon treatment (group 1; sham/balloon) or to twice a 13-week period of balloon treatment (group 2; balloon/balloon). Blood samples were taken for fasting and meal-stimulated CCK and PP levels at the start (T0) and after 13 (T1) and 26 (T2) weeks. Patients filled out visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess satiety. Forty-two patients (35 females, body weight 125.1 kg, BMI 43.3 kg/m(2)) participated. In group 1, basal CCK levels decreased but meal-stimulated response remained unchanged after 13 weeks of sham treatment. In group 2, basal and meal-stimulated CCK levels decreased after 13 weeks of balloon treatment. At the end of the second 13-week period, when group 1 had their first balloon treatment, they duplicated the initial 13-week results of group 2, whereas group 2 continued their balloon treatment and reduced meal-stimulated CCK release. Both groups showed reduced meal-stimulated PP secretions at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Changes in diet composition and VAS scores were similar. Improvements in glucose homeostasis partly explained the PP results. The reduced CCK and PP secretion after balloon positioning was unexpected and may reflect delayed gastric emptying induced by the balloon. Improved glucose metabolism partly explained the reduced PP secretion. Satiety and weight loss were not adversely influenced by these hormonal changes.

TAS2R bitter taste receptors regulate thyroid function

PubMed Central

Clark, Adam A.; Dotson, Cedrick D.; Elson, Amanda E. T.; Voigt, Anja; Boehm, Ulrich; Meyerhof, Wolfgang; Steinle, Nanette I.; Munger, Steven D.

2015-01-01

Dysregulation of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine (T3/T4) can impact metabolism, body composition, and development. Thus, it is critical to identify novel mechanisms that impact T3/T4 production. We found that type 2 taste receptors (TAS2Rs), which are activated by bitter-tasting compounds such as those found in many foods and pharmaceuticals, negatively regulate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-dependent Ca2+ increases and TSH-dependent iodide efflux in thyrocytes. Immunohistochemical Tas2r-dependent reporter expression and real-time PCR analyses reveal that human and mouse thyrocytes and the Nthy-Ori 3-1 human thyrocyte line express several TAS2Rs. Five different agonists for thyrocyte-expressed TAS2Rs reduced TSH-dependent Ca2+ release in Nthy-Ori 3-1 cells, but not basal Ca2+ levels, in a dose-dependent manner. Ca2+ responses were unaffected by 6-n-propylthiouracil, consistent with the expression of an unresponsive variant of its cognate receptor, TAS2R38, in these cells. TAS2R agonists also inhibited basal and TSH-dependent iodide efflux. Furthermore, a common TAS2R42 polymorphism is associated with increased serum T4 levels in a human cohort. Our findings indicate that TAS2Rs couple the detection of bitter-tasting compounds to changes in thyrocyte function and T3/T4 production. Thus, TAS2Rs may mediate a protective response to overingestion of toxic materials and could serve as new druggable targets for therapeutic treatment of hypo- or hyperthyroidism.—Clark, A. A., Dotson, C. D., Elson, A. E. T., Voigt, A., Boehm, U., Meyerhof, W., Steinle, N. I., Munger, S. D. TAS2R bitter taste receptors regulate thyroid function. PMID:25342133

Specific leaf areas of the tank bromeliad Guzmania monostachia perform distinct functions in response to water shortage.

PubMed

Freschi, Luciano; Takahashi, Cassia Ayumi; Cambui, Camila Aguetoni; Semprebom, Thais Ribeiro; Cruz, Aline Bertinatto; Mioto, Paulo Tamoso; de Melo Versieux, Leonardo; Calvente, Alice; Latansio-Aidar, Sabrina Ribeiro; Aidar, Marcos Pereira Marinho; Mercier, Helenice

2010-05-01

Leaves comprise most of the vegetative body of tank bromeliads and are usually subjected to strong longitudinal gradients. For instance, while the leaf base is in contact with the water accumulated in the tank, the more light-exposed middle and upper leaf sections have no direct access to this water reservoir. Therefore, the present study attempted to investigate whether different leaf portions of Guzmania monostachia, a tank-forming C(3)-CAM bromeliad, play distinct physiological roles in response to water shortage, which is a major abiotic constraint in the epiphytic habitat. Internal and external morphological features, relative water content, pigment composition and the degree of CAM expression were evaluated in basal, middle and apical leaf portions in order to allow the establishment of correlations between the structure and the functional importance of each leaf region. Results indicated that besides marked structural differences, a high level of functional specialization is also present along the leaves of this bromeliad. When the tank water was depleted, the abundant hydrenchyma of basal leaf portions was the main reservoir for maintaining a stable water status in the photosynthetic tissues of the apical region. In contrast, the CAM pathway was intensified specifically in the upper leaf section, which is in agreement with the presence of features more suitable for the occurrence of photosynthesis at this portion. Gas exchange data indicated that internal recycling of respiratory CO(2) accounted for virtually all nighttime acid accumulation, characterizing a typical CAM-idling pathway in the drought-exposed plants. Altogether, these data reveal a remarkable physiological complexity along the leaves of G. monostachia, which might be a key adaptation to the intermittent water supply of the epiphytic niche. Copyright 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Predicting redwood productivity using biophysical data, spatial statistics and site quality indices

Treesearch

John-Pascal Berrill; Kevin L. O’Hara; Shawn Headley

2017-01-01

Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl.) height growth and basal area growth are sensitive to variations in site quality. Site factors known to be correlated with redwood stand growth and yield include topographic variables such as position on slope, exposure, and the composite variable: topographic relative moisture index. Species...

Growth response of managed uneven-aged northern conifer stands

Treesearch

Dale S. Solomon; Robert M. Frank

1983-01-01

The growth response of trees in spruce-fir-hemlock stands was recorded from plots that were managed to control stand density, species composition, length of harvest interval, and salvage of mortality. Basal area, volume, and diameter increment are presented by species and size classification for harvesting intervals of 5, 10, and 20 years.

Quantitative classification of a historic northern Wisconsin (U.S.A.) landscape: mapping forests at regional scales

Treesearch

Lisa A. Schulte; David J. Mladenoff; Erik V. Nordheim

2002-01-01

We developed a quantitative and replicable classification system to improve understanding of historical composition and structure within northern Wisconsin's forests. The classification system was based on statistical cluster analysis and two forest metrics, relative dominance (% basal area) and relative importance (mean of relative dominance and relative density...

Women gaze behaviour in assessing female bodies: the effects of clothing, body size, own body composition and body satisfaction.

PubMed

Cundall, Amelia; Guo, Kun

2017-01-01

Often with minimally clothed figures depicting extreme body sizes, previous studies have shown women tend to gaze at evolutionary determinants of attractiveness when viewing female bodies, possibly for self-evaluation purposes, and their gaze distribution is modulated by own body dissatisfaction level. To explore to what extent women's body-viewing gaze behaviour is affected by clothing type, dress size, subjective measurements of regional body satisfaction and objective measurements of own body composition (e.g., chest size, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio), in this self-paced body attractiveness and body size judgement experiment, we compared healthy, young women's gaze distributions when viewing female bodies in tight and loose clothing of different dress sizes. In contrast to tight clothing, loose clothing biased gaze away from the waist-hip to the leg region, and subsequently led to enhanced body attractiveness ratings and body size underestimation for larger female bodies, indicating the important role of clothing in mediating women's body perception. When viewing preferred female bodies, women's higher satisfaction of a specific body region was associated with an increased gaze towards neighbouring body areas, implying satisfaction might reduce the need for comparison of confident body parts; furthermore undesirable body composition measurements were correlated with a gaze avoidance process if the construct was less changeable (i.e. chest size) but a gaze comparison process if the region was more changeable (i.e. body mass index, dress size). Clearly, own body satisfaction and body composition measurements had an evident impact on women's body-viewing gaze allocation, possibly through different cognitive processes.

The Relationship between Pedometer-Determined and Self-Reported Physical Activity and Body Composition Variables in College-Aged Men and Women

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mestek, Michael L.; Plaisance, Eric; Grandjean, Peter

2008-01-01

Pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) is inversely related to body composition in middle-aged adults; however, researchers have not established such a relationship in college students. Objective and Participants: In this study, the authors attempted to characterize PA and examine its relationship with body composition in undergraduate…

Comparison of Methods for Assessing Body Composition Changes during Weight Loss.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weyers, Anna M.; Mazzetti, Scott A.; Love, Dawn M.; Gomez, Ana L.; Kraemer, William J.; Volek, Jeff S.

2002-01-01

Investigated whether dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) would detect similar changes in body composition after moderate weight loss. Twenty adults had their body composition measured using DXA and ADP before and after an 8-week weight loss program. Overall, both DXA and ADP detected similar changes in…

Gravitational effects on body composition in birds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, A. H.; Sanchez P., O.; Burton, R. R.

1975-01-01

Gallinaceous birds, presenting a wide range of body size, were adapted physiologically to hyperdynamic environments, provided by chronic centrifugation. Chemical composition was measured directly on prepared carcasses, which were anatomically comparable, and more amenable to analysis than the intact body. Body mass and body fat decreased arithmetically with increasing field strength and also with increasing body mass. Water content of lean tissue increased in hyperdynamic environments, but irrespectively of body size.

Evaluation of Body Composition: Why and How?

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Evaluation of human body composition in vivo remains a critical component in the assessment of nutritional status of an individual.Whereas traditional measurements of standing height and body weight provide information on body mass index and, hence, the risk of some chronic diseases, advanced techno...

Association of fat to lean mass ratio with metabolic dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Ezeh, Uche; Pall, Marita; Mathur, Ruchi; Azziz, Ricardo

2014-07-01

Are differences in metabolic dysfunction between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and control women related to differences in their fat to lean mass (F/L) ratio? Compared with controls of similar body mass index (BMI), women with PCOS demonstrate adverse body composition characterized by increased whole body fat relative to lean mass (i.e. a higher F/L ratio), which is associated with differences in metabolic dysfunction between the two groups. Previous studies examining body composition and insulin resistance (IR) in PCOS have yielded conflicting results. Excess total fat mass (i.e. fat mass index [fat BMI]) correlates with IR, whereas increased total lean mass (i.e. lean BMI) has been associated with higher insulin sensitivity. However, the role of the F/L ratio, which integrates the antagonistic effects of both fat and lean mass depots, on IR in PCOS, has not been investigated. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of 120 women between the ages of 22-44 years to study the relation of the F/L ratio with measures of insulin action and secretion in both steady and dynamic states. Sixty PCOS (by NIH, 1990 criteria) and 60 control (age, race and BMI-matched) women were prospectively studied for body composition (by bioelectrical impedance analysis [BIA]) and basal IR and insulin secretion by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR and HOMA-%β-cell function, respectively) in a tertiary care academic referral center. A subset of 12 PCOS and 12 matched control women also underwent a modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) to determine glucose uptake and insulin secretion in dynamic state. Our results indicate that women with PCOS demonstrated greater degrees of hyperandrogenism, and higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), %body fat, fat BMI, F/L, fasting insulin levels, and HOMA-IR and HOMA-%β-cell values, than controls. In models adjusted for WHR and free testosterone and diagnostic groups, fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-%beta cell function were positively related to the F/L ratio. A positive relationship was also found in both study groups between F/L and the FSIVGTT measures insulin sensitivity (Si) and acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg). The F/L tended to negatively correlate with glucose effectiveness or non-insulin-mediated glucose transport (Sg) only in PCOS women. Regional tissue sub-compartments, which have been shown to have potential independent associations with metabolic variables, cannot be determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The current results suggest that BIA could be used to assess F/L in place of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in research protocols, and that F/L could possibly be used as an alternative to WHR as a surrogate marker of metabolic dysfunction in clinical practice. This work was supported by grants R01-DK073632 and R01-HD29364 from the NIH and an endowment of the Helping Hand of Los Angeles, Inc. (to R.A.). The authors have no competing interests to declare. Not applicable.

Carbohydrate-to-insulin ratio is estimated from 300-400 divided by total daily insulin dose in type 1 diabetes patients who use the insulin pump.

PubMed

Kuroda, Akio; Yasuda, Tetsuyuki; Takahara, Mitsuyoshi; Sakamoto, Fumie; Kasami, Ryuichi; Miyashita, Kazuyuki; Yoshida, Sumiko; Kondo, Eri; Aihara, Ken-ichi; Endo, Itsuro; Matsuoka, Taka-aki; Kaneto, Hideaki; Matsumoto, Toshio; Shimomura, Iichiro; Matsuhisa, Munehide

2012-11-01

To optimize insulin dose using insulin pump, basal and bolus insulin doses are widely calculated from total daily insulin dose (TDD). It is recommended that total daily basal insulin dose (TBD) is 50% of TDD and that the carbohydrate-to-insulin ratio (CIR) equals 500 divided by TDD. We recently reported that basal insulin requirement is approximately 30% of TDD. We therefore investigated CIR after adjustment of the proper basal insulin rate. Forty-five Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes were investigated during several weeks of hospitalization. The patients were served standard diabetes meals (25-30 kcal/kg of ideal body weight). Each meal omission was done to confirm basal insulin rate. Target blood glucose level was set at 100 and 150 mg/dL before and 2 h after each meal, respectively. After the basal insulin rate was fixed and target blood glucose levels were achieved, TBD, CIR, TDD, and their products were determined. Mean (±SD) blood glucose levels before and 2 h after meals were 121±47 and 150±61 mg/dL, respectively. TDD was 31.5±9.0 U, and TBD was 27.0±6.5% of TDD. CIR×TDD of breakfast was significantly lower than those of lunch and supper (288±73 vs. 408±92 and 387±83, respectively; P<0.01). CIR has diurnal variance and is estimated from the formula CIR=300/TDD at breakfast or CIR=400/TDD at lunch and supper in type 1 diabetes patients. These results indicate that the insulin dose has been underestimated by using previously established calculations.

The role of annular dimension and annuloplasty in tricuspid aortic valve repair.

PubMed

de Kerchove, Laurent; Mastrobuoni, Stefano; Boodhwani, Munir; Astarci, Parla; Rubay, Jean; Poncelet, Alain; Vanoverschelde, Jean-Louis; Noirhomme, Philippe; El Khoury, Gebrine

2016-02-01

Valve sparing reimplantation can improve the durability of bicuspid aortic valve repair compared with subcommissural annuloplasty, especially in patients with a large basal ring. This study analyses the effect of basal ring size and annuloplasty on valve repair in the setting of a tricuspid aortic valve. From 1995 to 2013, 382 patients underwent elective tricuspid aortic valve repair. We included only those undergoing subcommissural annuloplasty, valve sparing reimplantation or no annuloplasty and in whom intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography images were available for retrospective pre- and post-repair basal ring measurements (n = 323, subcommissural annuloplasty: 146, valve sparing reimplantation: 154, no annuloplasty: 23). In a subgroup of patients with available echocardiographic images, basal ring was retrospectively measured at the latest follow-up or prior to reoperation. subcommissural annuloplasty and valve sparing reimplantation were compared after matching for degree of aortic regurgitation and root size. All three groups differed significantly for most of preoperative characteristics. Hospital mortality was 0.9%. The median follow-up was 4.7 years. At 8 years, overall survival was 80 ± 5%. Freedom from reoperation and freedom from aortic regurgitation >1+ were 92 ± 5% and 71 ± 8%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, predictors of aortic regurgitation >1+ were left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (P = 0.003), cusp repair (P = 0.006), body surface area (P = 0.01) and subcommissural annuloplasty (P = 0.05). In subcommissural annuloplasty, freedom from aortic regurgitation >1+ was lower for patients with basal ring ≥28 mm compared with patients with basal ring <28 mm (P = 0.0001). In valve sparing reimplantation, freedom from aortic regurgitation >1+ was independent of basal ring size (P = 0.38). In matched comparison between subcommissural annuloplasty and valve sparing reimplantation, freedom from aortic regurgitation >1+ was not significantly different (P = 0.06), but in patients with basal ring ≥28 mm, valve sparing reimplantation was superior to subcommissural annuloplasty (P = 0.04). Despite similar intraoperative reduction in basal ring size in subcommissural annuloplasty and valve sparing reimplantation, patients with subcommissural annuloplasty exhibited greater increase in basal ring size during the follow-up compared with the valve sparing reimplantation group (P < 0.001). As with a bicuspid aortic valve, a large basal ring predicts recurrence of aortic regurgitation in patients with tricuspid aortic valve undergoing repair with the subcommissural annuloplasty technique. This recurrence is caused by basal ring dilatation over time after subcommissural annuloplasty. With the valve sparing reimplantation technique, large basal ring did not predict aortic regurgitation recurrence, as prosthetic-based circumferential annuloplasty displayed better stability over time. Stable circumferential annuloplasty is recommended in tricuspid aortic valve repair whenever the basal ring size is ≥28 mm. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

[Diagnosis of insulin resistance by indirect methods in obese school children].

PubMed

Angulo, Nerkis; de Szarvas, Sobeida Barbella; Mathison, Yaira; Hadad, Erika; González, Dora; Hernández, Ana; Guevara, Harold

2013-06-01

Obesity leads to a deterioration of glucose tolerance and the action of insulin. The purpose of this study was to determine insulin resistance (IR) by indirect methods, and its correlation with clinical, anthropometric and biochemical variables in obese normoglycemic school children. This was a descriptive-correlational study of 72 school prepubescent children, who attended the ambulatory "El Concejo" of the University of Carabobo (UC) and at the Gastroenterology and Pediatric Nutrition service of the city hospital "Enrique Tejera" (CHET), in Valencia, Venezuela, between January-April 2011. exogenous obesity. We assessed personal and family history, presence of Acanthosis Nigricans and nutritional and biochemical status. We found a higher percentage of IR, through the use of the QUICKI method (66.7%), followed by the HOMA (55.6%) and basal insulin (45.9%). The mean (chi) indexes of body mass and waist circumference were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in patients with IR, by HOMA and QUICKI techniques. The QUICKI method detected significant differences (p < 0.05) in the values of glycemia, basal insulin and postprandial insulin, among patients with diminished and normal insulin sensitivities. While HOMA, detected these differences (p < 0.05) in the values of glycemia and basal insulin. A statistically significant relationship was observed (p < 0.05), between the presence of Acanthosis Nigricans and IR, by the HOMA, QUICKI and basal insulin methods. In conclusion, the evaluated techniques, QUICKI, HOMA and basal insulin indexes, were most effective for detecting the IR.

Parallel basal ganglia circuits for decision making.

PubMed

Hikosaka, Okihide; Ghazizadeh, Ali; Griggs, Whitney; Amita, Hidetoshi

2018-03-01

The basal ganglia control body movements, mainly, based on their values. Critical for this mechanism is dopamine neurons, which sends unpredicted value signals, mainly, to the striatum. This mechanism enables animals to change their behaviors flexibly, eventually choosing a valuable behavior. However, this may not be the best behavior, because the flexible choice is focused on recent, and, therefore, limited, experiences (i.e., short-term memories). Our old and recent studies suggest that the basal ganglia contain separate circuits that process value signals in a completely different manner. They are insensitive to recent changes in value, yet gradually accumulate the value of each behavior (i.e., movement or object choice). These stable circuits eventually encode values of many behaviors and then retain the value signals for a long time (i.e., long-term memories). They are innervated by a separate group of dopamine neurons that retain value signals, even when no reward is predicted. Importantly, the stable circuits can control motor behaviors (e.g., hand or eye) quickly and precisely, which allows animals to automatically acquire valuable outcomes based on historical life experiences. These behaviors would be called 'skills', which are crucial for survival. The stable circuits are localized in the posterior part of the basal ganglia, separately from the flexible circuits located in the anterior part. To summarize, the flexible and stable circuits in the basal ganglia, working together but independently, enable animals (and humans) to reach valuable goals in various contexts.

Effects of obesity on lung function and airway reactivity in healthy dogs.

PubMed

Manens, J; Bolognin, M; Bernaerts, F; Diez, M; Kirschvink, N; Clercx, C

2012-07-01

The present study investigated the effects of bodyweight (BW) gain on respiratory function and airway responsiveness in healthy Beagles using barometric whole body plethysmography (BWBP). Six adult dogs were examined before and after a fattening diet. The high-energy diet induced a mean increase in BW of 41±6%. BWBP basal parameters were recorded prior to airway reactivity testing (using increasing concentrations of histamine nebulisations). An airway responsiveness index (H-Penh300) was calculated as the histamine concentration necessary to reach 300% of basal enhanced pause (Penh, bronchoconstriction index). The same dogs underwent a doxapram hydrochloride (Dxp) stimulation testing 2 weeks later. Basal measurements showed that obese dogs had tidal volume per kg (TV/BW) that was significantly decreased whilst respiratory rate (RR) increased significantly. H-Penh300 decreased significantly in obese Beagles, indicating increased bronchoreactivity. Dxp administration induced a significant increase in TV/BW, minute volume per kg (MV/BW), peak inspiratory and expiratory flows per kg (PIF/BW and PEF/BW) in both normal and obese dogs although the TV/BW increase was significantly less marked in the obese group. In conclusion, obesity induced changes in basal respiratory parameters, increased bronchoreactivity and a blunted response to Dxp-induced respiratory stimulation. This combination of basal respiratory parameters, bronchoreactivity testing and pharmacological stimulation testing using non-invasive BWBP can help characterize pulmonary function and airway responsiveness in obese dogs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapamycin does not affect post-absorptive protein metabolism in human skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Dickinson, Jared M.; Drummond, Micah J.; Fry, Christopher S.; Gundermann, David M.; Walker, Dillon K.; Timmerman, Kyle L.; Volpi, Elena; Rasmussen, Blake B.

2013-01-01

Administration of the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, to humans blocks the increase in skeletal muscle protein synthesis in response to resistance exercise or amino acid ingestion. Objective To determine whether rapamycin administration influences basal post-absorptive protein synthesis or breakdown in human skeletal muscle. Materials/Methods Six young (26±2 years) subjects were studied during two separate trials, in which each trial was divided into two consecutive 2h basal periods. The trials were identical except during one trial a single oral dose (16mg) of rapamycin was administered immediately prior to the second basal period. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis at 0, 2, and 4h to examine protein synthesis, mTORC1 signaling, and markers of autophagy (LC3B-I and LC3B-II protein) associated with each 2h basal period. Results During the Control trial, muscle protein synthesis, whole body protein breakdown (phenylalanine Ra), mTORC1 signaling, and markers of autophagy were similar between both basal periods (p>0.05). During the Rapamycin trial, these variables were similar to the Control trial (p>0.05) and were unaltered by rapamycin administration (p>0.05). Thus, post-absorptive muscle protein metabolism and mTORC1 signaling were not affected by rapamycin administration. Conclusions Short-term rapamycin administration may only impair protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle when combined with a stimulus such as resistance exercise or increased amino acid availability. PMID:22959478

Wear and microhardness of different resin composite materials.

PubMed

Say, Esra Can; Civelek, Arzu; Nobecourt, Alain; Ersoy, Mustafa; Guleryuz, Canan

2003-01-01

This study determined the three-body abrasive wear resistance of two packable composites (P-60; Solitaire 2), an ion-releasing composite (Ariston AT), a hybrid composite (Tetric Ceram) and an ormocer (Admira). The study also looked at the correlation between wear resistance and hardness of the composites. Three-body wear testing was performed using an ACTA wear machine with 15 N contact force using millet seed as the third body. Wear depth (microm) was measured by profilometry after 200,000 cycles. The hardness test was performed using a digital microhardness tester (load: 500 g; dwell time: 15 seconds). The data were analyzed by using Kruskal Wallis (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences among the three body abrasive wear of the composites. The ranking from least to most were as follows: Filtek P-60 < Solitaire 2 < Ariston AT < Tetric Ceram < Admira. Filtek P-60 showed the highest microhardness value. No other significant differences in hardness were observed among the different resin composites (P-60 > AristonAT = Tetric Ceram = Solitaire 2 = Admira). The results of this study indicate that there are significant differences in the wear resistance of the resin composites. The correlation between hardness and wear was significant with a correlation coefficient of r:-0.91. A significant negative correlation exists between hardness and three-body wear of resin composites.

Determination of body composition using air displacement plethysmography, anthropometry and bio-electrical impedance in rural elderly Mexican men and women.

PubMed

Aleman-Mateo, H; Esparza Romero, J; Macias Morales, N; Salazar, G; Wyatt, J; Valencia, M E

2004-01-01

Air displacement plethysmography with the BOD-POD is a new densitometry technique, and has been found to be an accurate method to measure body composition. The aim of this study was to assess body composition in a group of free living healthy subjects 60 years of age or older from a rural area of Northwest Mexico, and to evaluate body composition by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) using equations reported for other elderly populations. Body composition was evaluated in 21 women and 26 men with the BOD-POD, by anthropometry, and BIA and compared to different equations using the Bland- Altman procedure. Body fat in elderly women and men was 42.7 and 30.2 % respectively. In women, Segal's equation using BIA 1, based on standing height, showed no significant differences with the BOD-POD. There was satisfactory agreement between Segal's equation and BOD-POD. In men similar results was found with Deurenberg's equation using B1A 2 based on recumbent length. Segal's and Deurenberg's equations were accurate and precise for the estimation of body fat in the elderly of this study. The use of these equations could improve the estimation of body composition for similar elderly subjects. Further studies are recommended with a larger size samples to include elderly subjects from other Latin American countries.

Longitudinal body composition of children born to mothers with normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

PubMed

Andres, Aline; Hull, Holly R; Shankar, Kartik; Casey, Patrick H; Cleves, Mario A; Badger, Thomas M

2015-06-01

The longitudinal trajectories of body composition of children born to mothers with normal weight, overweight, and obesity have not been evaluated using precise body composition methods. This study investigated the relationship between maternal prepregnancy BMI and offspring body composition trajectories during the first 6 years of life. Healthy infants (N = 325) were assessed longitudinally (at ages 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Mixed-effects regression for repeated measures was used to model each continuous outcome as a function of maternal BMI and covariates (race, gestational age, birth weight, and mode of infant feeding). Maternal obesity differentially impacted body fat, but not bone mineral content or density, of girls and boys. Boys born to mothers with obesity have higher body fat from ages 2-6 years compared to boys born to normal-weight and overweight mothers (P < 0.05), whereas body composition of girls born to mothers with obesity was not different across groups during the first 6 years of life (P > 0.05). This clinical observational study demonstrates a sexual dimorphism in offspring body composition until age 6 years based on maternal BMI, with a greater effect of maternal adiposity seen in boys than in girls. © 2015 The Obesity Society.

Growth, immune, antioxidant, and bone responses of heat stress-exposed broilers fed diets supplemented with tomato pomace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J.; Golian, A.; Yaghobfar, A.

2016-08-01

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation of dried tomato pomace (DTP) on growth performance, relative weights of viscera, serum biological parameters, antioxidant status, immune response, and bone composition of broilers exposed to a high ambient temperature. A total of 352 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly divided into four groups consisting of four replicates with 22 birds each. One group was reared under the thermoneutral zone and fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet. The other three groups were subjected to a cyclic heat stress from 29 to 42 days of age (34 ± 1 °C, 55 % RH, 5 h/day). These birds were fed corn-soybean meal basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 3 % DTP (420 mg lycopene/kg diet) or 5 % (708 mg lycopene/kg diet) of DTP. Blood samples were collected on days 28 and 42, and the birds were slaughtered at the same times. Supplementation of 5 % of DTP increased body weight and production index and decreased feed conversion ratio during 1-28 days of age. On day 28, the broilers supplemented with 5 % DTP had lower serum triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration than those on the other dietary treatments. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were higher and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in the broilers fed 5 % TP than those of the broilers fed other diets at 28 days of age. The effects of heat stress (HS) were impaired body weight, enhanced serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase, and MDA concentration while reducing the activities of GPx and SOD. Dried tomato pomace supplementation did not influence growth performance under HS but ameliorated the negative effects of HS on the serum enzyme activities, GPx activity, and lipid peroxidation. Heat stress did not change the relative weights of the lymphoid organs but reduced the total and IgG titers for secondary antibody response to sheep red blood cells and titer against Newcastle disease virus and increased the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. The supplementation with 5 % of DTP completely alleviated the negative effects of HS on immune responses. The ash, Ca, and P contents of the tibia bone were decreased under HS. The ash and Ca contents of the tibia were not significantly different between thermoneutral and heat-stressed broilers supplemented with 5 % DTP. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of DTP, particularly 5 % DTP, to broiler diet attenuated the detrimental effects of HS on the activities of serum enzymes, oxidative status, immune response, and bone composition.

Growth, immune, antioxidant, and bone responses of heat stress-exposed broilers fed diets supplemented with tomato pomace.

PubMed

Hosseini-Vashan, S J; Golian, A; Yaghobfar, A

2016-08-01

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation of dried tomato pomace (DTP) on growth performance, relative weights of viscera, serum biological parameters, antioxidant status, immune response, and bone composition of broilers exposed to a high ambient temperature. A total of 352 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly divided into four groups consisting of four replicates with 22 birds each. One group was reared under the thermoneutral zone and fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet. The other three groups were subjected to a cyclic heat stress from 29 to 42 days of age (34 ± 1 °C, 55 % RH, 5 h/day). These birds were fed corn-soybean meal basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 3 % DTP (420 mg lycopene/kg diet) or 5 % (708 mg lycopene/kg diet) of DTP. Blood samples were collected on days 28 and 42, and the birds were slaughtered at the same times. Supplementation of 5 % of DTP increased body weight and production index and decreased feed conversion ratio during 1-28 days of age. On day 28, the broilers supplemented with 5 % DTP had lower serum triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration than those on the other dietary treatments. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were higher and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in the broilers fed 5 % TP than those of the broilers fed other diets at 28 days of age. The effects of heat stress (HS) were impaired body weight, enhanced serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase, and MDA concentration while reducing the activities of GPx and SOD. Dried tomato pomace supplementation did not influence growth performance under HS but ameliorated the negative effects of HS on the serum enzyme activities, GPx activity, and lipid peroxidation. Heat stress did not change the relative weights of the lymphoid organs but reduced the total and IgG titers for secondary antibody response to sheep red blood cells and titer against Newcastle disease virus and increased the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. The supplementation with 5 % of DTP completely alleviated the negative effects of HS on immune responses. The ash, Ca, and P contents of the tibia bone were decreased under HS. The ash and Ca contents of the tibia were not significantly different between thermoneutral and heat-stressed broilers supplemented with 5 % DTP. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of DTP, particularly 5 % DTP, to broiler diet attenuated the detrimental effects of HS on the activities of serum enzymes, oxidative status, immune response, and bone composition.

Effect of anti-TNF treatment on body composition and serum adiponectin levels of women with rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Serelis, John; Kontogianni, Meropi D; Katsiougiannis, Stergios; Bletsa, Maria; Tektonidou, Maria G; Skopouli, Fotini N

2008-06-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF) treatment on body composition and serum adiponectin levels of women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nineteen women with RA starting anti-TNF treatment were included in the study. Disease activity, body composition, lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and serum adiponectin concentrations were measured at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. No important changes on body composition and lumbar spine BMD were observed, while the serum levels of adiponectin levels increased after 1 year of anti-TNF treatment (p = 0.02). Anti-TNF treatment in women with RA does not have any significant effect on body composition; however, it is associated with increase in adiponectin levels which may ameliorate the systemic inflammatory response state associated with RA.

Validation of bioelectrical-impedance analysis as a measurement of change in body composition in obesity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kushner, R.F.; Kunigk, A.; Alspaugh, M.

1990-08-01

The bioelectrical-impedance-analysis (BIA) method accurately measures body composition in weight-stable subjects. This study validates the use of BIA to measure change in body composition. Twelve obese females underwent weight loss at a mean rate of 1.16 kg/wk. Body composition was measured by deuterium oxide dilution (D2O), BIA, and skinfold anthropometry (SFA) at baseline and at 5% decrements in weight. Highly significant correlations were obtained between D2O and BIA (r = 0.971) and between D2O and SFA (r = 0.932). Overall, BIA predicted change in fat-free mass with greater accuracy (to 0.4 kg) and precision (+/- 1.28 kg) than did anthropometrymore » (to 0.8 kg and +/- 2.58 kg, respectively). We conclude that BIA is a useful clinical method for measuring change in body composition.« less

Composition and structure of Pinus koraiensis mixed forest respond to spatial climatic changes.

PubMed

Zhang, Jingli; Zhou, Yong; Zhou, Guangsheng; Xiao, Chunwang

2014-01-01

Although some studies have indicated that climate changes can affect Pinus koraiensis mixed forest, the responses of composition and structure of Pinus koraiensis mixed forests to climatic changes are unknown and the key climatic factors controlling the composition and structure of Pinus koraiensis mixed forest are uncertain. Field survey was conducted in the natural Pinus koraiensis mixed forests along a latitudinal gradient and an elevational gradient in Northeast China. In order to build the mathematical models for simulating the relationships of compositional and structural attributes of the Pinus koraiensis mixed forest with climatic and non-climatic factors, stepwise linear regression analyses were performed, incorporating 14 dependent variables and the linear and quadratic components of 9 factors. All the selected new models were computed under the +2°C and +10% precipitation and +4°C and +10% precipitation scenarios. The Max Temperature of Warmest Month, Mean Temperature of Warmest Quarter and Precipitation of Wettest Month were observed to be key climatic factors controlling the stand densities and total basal areas of Pinus koraiensis mixed forest. Increased summer temperatures and precipitations strongly enhanced the stand densities and total basal areas of broadleaf trees but had little effect on Pinus koraiensis under the +2°C and +10% precipitation scenario and +4°C and +10% precipitation scenario. These results show that the Max Temperature of Warmest Month, Mean Temperature of Warmest Quarter and Precipitation of Wettest Month are key climatic factors which shape the composition and structure of Pinus koraiensis mixed forest. Although the Pinus koraiensis would persist, the current forests dominated by Pinus koraiensis in the region would all shift and become broadleaf-dominated forests due to the dramatic increase of broadleaf trees under the future global warming and increased precipitation.

Revised age of deglaciation of Lake Emma based on new radiocarbon and macrofossil analyses

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elias, S.A.; Carrara, P.E.; Toolin, L.J.; Jull, A.J.T.

1991-01-01

Previous radiocarbon ages of detrital moss fragments in basal organic sediments of Lake Emma indicated that extensive deglaciation of the San Juan Mountains occurred prior to 14,900 yr B.P. (Carrara et al., 1984). Paleoecological analyses of insect and plant macrofossils from these basal sediments cast doubt on the reliability of the radiocarbon ages. Subsequent accelerator radiocarbon dates of insect fossils and wood fragments indicate an early Holocene age, rather than a late Pleistocene age, for the basal sediments of Lake Emma. These new radiocarbon ages suggest that by at least 10,000 yr B.P. deglaciation of the San Juan Mountains was complete. The insect and plant macrofossils from the basal organic sediments indicate a higher-than-present treeline during the early Holocene. The insect assemblages consisted of about 30% bark beetles, which contrasts markedly with the composition of insects from modern lake sediments and modern specimens collected in the Lake Emma cirque, in which bark beetles comprise only about 3% of the assemblages. In addition, in the fossil assemblages there were a number of flightless insect species (not subject to upslope transport by wind) indicative of coniferous forest environments. These insects were likewise absent in the modern assemblage. ?? 1991.

MDCK cells are capable of water secretion and reabsorption in response to changes in the ionic environment.

PubMed

Capra, Janne P; Eskelinen, Sinikka M

2017-01-01

A prerequisite for tissue electrolyte homeostasis is highly regulated ion and water transport through kidney or intestinal epithelia. In the present work, we monitored changes in the cell and luminal volumes of type II Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells grown in a 3D environment in response to drugs, or to changes in the composition of the basal extracellular fluid. Using fluorescent markers and high-resolution spinning disc confocal microscopy, we could show that lack of sodium and potassium ions in the basal fluid (tetramethylammonium chloride (TMACl) buffer) induces a rapid increase in the cell and luminal volumes. This transepithelial water flow could be regulated by inhibitors and agonists of chloride channels. Hence, the driving force for the transepithelial water flow is chloride secretion, stimulated by hyperpolarization. Chloride ion depletion of the basal fluid (using sodium gluconate buffer) induces a strong reduction in the lumen size, indicating reabsorption of water from the lumen to the basal side. Lumen size also decreased following depolarization of the cell interior by rendering the membrane permeable to potassium. Hence, MDCK cells are capable of both absorption and secretion of chloride ions and water; negative potential within the lumen supports secretion, while depolarizing conditions promote reabsorption.

Effects of NUTRIOSE® dietary fiber supplementation on body weight, body composition, energy intake, and hunger in overweight men.

PubMed

Guerin-Deremaux, Laetitia; Li, Shuguang; Pochat, Marine; Wils, Daniel; Mubasher, Mohamed; Reifer, Cheryl; Miller, Larry E

2011-09-01

The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a soluble dietary fiber, NUTRIOSE(®), on body weight, body composition, energy intake and hunger in overweight Chinese men. The volunteers were randomized in double-blind fashion to 250 ml fruit juice supplemented with NUTRIOSE(®) (Test, n = 60) or a maltodextrin (Control, n = 60) at a dosage of 17 g twice daily for 12 weeks. Body weight, body composition were performed at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks while daily energy intake and hunger were assessed every 3 days. Test subjects had reductions in body weight (1.5 kg, P < 0.001), body mass index (0.5 kg/m(2), P < 0.001) and body fat percentage (0.3%, P < 0.001) versus Controls. NUTRIOSE(®) supplementation resulted in a lower daily energy intake (3,079 kJ/day, P < 0.001) with group differences noted as early as 3 days. Test subjects reported less hunger across the study period versus Controls (P < 0.01). NUTRIOSE(®) supplementation for 12 weeks results in body composition improvements and reduces body weight, energy intake and hunger in overweight men.

Changes in body composition of neonatal piglets during growth

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

During studies of neonatal piglet growth it is important to be able to accurately assess changes in body composition. Previous studies have demonstrated that quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) provides precise and accurate measurements of total body fat mass, lean mass and total body water in non...

A New Sauropodomorph Dinosaur from the Early Jurassic of Patagonia and the Origin and Evolution of the Sauropod-type Sacrum

PubMed Central

Pol, Diego; Garrido, Alberto; Cerda, Ignacio A.

2011-01-01

Background The origin of sauropod dinosaurs is one of the major landmarks of dinosaur evolution but is still poorly understood. This drastic transformation involved major skeletal modifications, including a shift from the small and gracile condition of primitive sauropodomorphs to the gigantic and quadrupedal condition of sauropods. Recent findings in the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic of Gondwana provide critical evidence to understand the origin and early evolution of sauropods. Methodology/Principal Findings A new sauropodomorph dinosaur, Leonerasaurus taquetrensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Las Leoneras Formation of Central Patagonia (Argentina). The new taxon is diagnosed by the presence of anterior unserrated teeth with a low spoon-shaped crown, amphicoelous and acamerate vertebral centra, four sacral vertebrae, and humeral deltopectoral crest low and medially deflected along its distal half. The phylogenetic analysis depicts Leonerasaurus as one of the closest outgroups of Sauropoda, being the sister taxon of a clade of large bodied taxa composed of Melanorosaurus and Sauropoda. Conclusions/Significance The dental and postcranial anatomy of Leonerasaurus supports its close affinities with basal sauropods. Despite the small size and plesiomorphic skeletal anatomy of Leonerasaurus, the four vertebrae that compose its sacrum resemble that of the large-bodied primitive sauropods. This shows that the appearance of the sauropod-type of sacrum predated the marked increase in body size that characterizes the origins of sauropods, rejecting a causal explanation and evolutionary linkage between this sacral configuration and body size. Alternative phylogenetic placements of Leonerasaurus as a basal anchisaurian imply a convergent acquisition of the sauropod-type sacrum in the new small-bodied taxon, also rejecting an evolutionary dependence of sacral configuration and body size in sauropodomorphs. This and other recent discoveries are showing that the characteristic sauropod body plan evolved gradually, with a step-wise pattern of character appearance. PMID:21298087

Fitness level and body composition indices: cross-sectional study among Malaysian adolescent

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The importance of fitness level on the well-being of children and adolescent has long been recognised. The aim of this study was to investigate the fitness level of school-going Malaysian adolescent, and its association with body composition indices. Methods 1071 healthy secondary school students participated in the fitness assessment for the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team (MyHEART) study. Body composition indices such as body mass index for age, waist circumference and waist height ratio were measured. Fitness level was assessed with Modified Harvard Step Test. Physical Fitness Score was calculated using total time of step test exercise and resting heart rates. Fitness levels were divided into 3 categories - unacceptable, marginally acceptable, and acceptable. Partial correlation analysis was used to determine the association between fitness score and body composition, by controlling age, gender, locality, ethnicity, smoking status and sexual maturation. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which body composition was the strongest predictor for fitness. Results 43.3% of the participants were categorised into the unacceptable fitness group, 47.1% were considered marginally acceptable, and 9.6% were acceptable. There was a significant moderate inverse association (p < 0.001) between body composition with fitness score (r = -0.360, -0.413 and -0.403 for body mass index for age, waist circumference and waist height ratio, respectively). Waist circumference was the strongest and significant predictor for fitness (ß = -0.318, p = 0.002). Conclusion Only 9.6% of the students were fit. There was also an inverse association between body composition and fitness score among apparently healthy adolescents, with waist circumference indicated as the strongest predictor. The low fitness level among the Malaysian adolescent should necessitate the value of healthy lifestyle starting at a young age. PMID:25436933

Fitness level and body composition indices: cross-sectional study among Malaysian adolescent.

PubMed

Hanifah, Redzal Abu; Majid, Hazreen Abdul; Jalaludin, Muhammad Yazid; Al-Sadat, Nabilla; Murray, Liam J; Cantwell, Marie; Su, Tin Tin; Nahar, Azmi Mohamed

2014-01-01

The importance of fitness level on the well-being of children and adolescent has long been recognised. The aim of this study was to investigate the fitness level of school-going Malaysian adolescent, and its association with body composition indices. 1071 healthy secondary school students participated in the fitness assessment for the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team (MyHEART) study. Body composition indices such as body mass index for age, waist circumference and waist height ratio were measured. Fitness level was assessed with Modified Harvard Step Test. Physical Fitness Score was calculated using total time of step test exercise and resting heart rates. Fitness levels were divided into 3 categories - unacceptable, marginally acceptable, and acceptable. Partial correlation analysis was used to determine the association between fitness score and body composition, by controlling age, gender, locality, ethnicity, smoking status and sexual maturation. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which body composition was the strongest predictor for fitness. 43.3% of the participants were categorised into the unacceptable fitness group, 47.1% were considered marginally acceptable, and 9.6% were acceptable. There was a significant moderate inverse association (p < 0.001) between body composition with fitness score (r = -0.360, -0.413 and -0.403 for body mass index for age, waist circumference and waist height ratio, respectively). Waist circumference was the strongest and significant predictor for fitness (ß = -0.318, p = 0.002). Only 9.6% of the students were fit. There was also an inverse association between body composition and fitness score among apparently healthy adolescents, with waist circumference indicated as the strongest predictor. The low fitness level among the Malaysian adolescent should necessitate the value of healthy lifestyle starting at a young age.

Trend of Body Compositions with Aging among Chinese Adolescents, Adults and Elders.

PubMed

Xu, T; Zhu, G; Han, S

2015-12-01

Rare reports can be found about sex- and age-specific body composition survey among Chinese population. The aim of this study is to explore the change of sex-specific body compositions with aging among Chinese adolescents, adults and elders. In a large-scale population survey about physiological constants and health conditions, 75,714 subjects who aged from 8 to 80 completed body composition array. Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (PBF), water percentage of body weight (WPBW), water percentage of lean body mass (WPLBM), fat-free mass index (FFMI) and basic metabolic rate were examined with Biodynamics BI-310 body composition analyzer. General obesity is defined as BMI equal to or greater than 28 kg/m2. The prevalence rates of general obesity were 9.4% for males and 7.7% for females respectively. With aging, PBF and FMI showed a U-shape curvilinear trend and WPBW showed a parabolic trend for males. At same age group: 18-19 age groups, PBF and FMI declined to the valley and WPBW rose to the peak. For females, PBF, WPBW and FMI changed in a linear trend. The values of WPLBM and FFMI showed same curvilinear trend for two genders. WPLBM changed in a U-shape trend and touched the valley in twenties for males and in 18-19 age groups for females. The value of FFMI was larger for older age groups in the younger generation but smaller in the older generation. A parabolic trend peaking was seen in the thirties for males and in the forties for females. Regression models with age as independent variable showed that the larger rate of increase of PBF and smaller rates of increase for WPBM and WPLBM with aging for males. This study presents detailed data about sex-specific body composition conditions. Different change trend with aging was found about body composition conditions.

Body Composition Indices and Single and Clustered Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adolescents: Providing Clinical-Based Cut-Points.

PubMed

Gracia-Marco, Luis; Moreno, Luis A; Ruiz, Jonatan R; Ortega, Francisco B; de Moraes, Augusto César Ferreira; Gottrand, Frederic; Roccaldo, Romana; Marcos, Ascensión; Gómez-Martínez, Sonia; Dallongeville, Jean; Kafatos, Anthony; Molnar, Denes; Bueno, Gloria; de Henauw, Stefaan; Widhalm, Kurt; Wells, Jonathan C

2016-01-01

The aims of the present study in adolescents were 1) to examine how various body composition-screening tests relate to single and clustered cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, 2) to examine how lean mass and body fatness (independently of each other) relate to clustered CVD risk factors, and 3) to calculate specific thresholds for body composition indices associated with an unhealthier clustered CVD risk. We measured 1089 European adolescents (46.7% boys, 12.5-17.49years) in 2006-2007. CVD risk factors included: systolic blood pressure, maximum oxygen uptake, homeostasis model assessment, C-reactive protein (n=748), total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Body composition indices included: height, body mass index (BMI), lean mass, the sum of four skinfolds, central/peripheral skinfolds, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Most body composition indices are associated with single CVD risk factors. The sum of four skinfolds, WHtR, BMI, WC and lean mass are strong and positively associated with clustered CVD risk. Interestingly, lean mass is positively associated with clustered CVD risk independently of body fatness in girls. Moderate and highly accurate thresholds for the sum of four skinfolds, WHtR, BMI, WC and lean mass are associated with an unhealthier clustered CVD risk (all AUC>0.773). In conclusion, our results support an association between most of the assessed body composition indices and single and clustered CVD risk factors. In addition, lean mass (independent of body fatness) is positively associated with clustered CVD risk in girls, which is a novel finding that helps to understand why an index such as BMI is a good index of CVD risk but a bad index of adiposity. Moderate to highly accurate thresholds for body composition indices associated with a healthier clustered CVD risk were found. Further studies with a longitudinal design are needed to confirm these findings. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of supplementing a diet with monensin sodium and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae on reproductive performance of Ghezel ewes.

PubMed

Ahmadzadeh, Leila; Hosseinkhani, Ali; Daghigh Kia, Hossein

2018-01-01

Effect of supplementing a diet, in an attempt to enhance reproduction, with monensin sodium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on reproductive performance was investigated during the breeding season using 44 Ghezel ewes (body weight 56.97±7.47kg, age 2-5 years and body condition score (BCS) 2.5) which were allocated randomly in equal numbers to the four dietary treatments as follows: 1) Basal diet plus supplemental feed (450g/ewe/d) plus monensin sodium (30mg/ewe/d) (MS); 2) Basal diet plus supplemental feed (450 g/ewe/d) plus Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (4×10 9 CFU/ewe/d) (SC); 3) Basal diet plus supplemental feed (450g/ewe/d) (FG); 4) Basal diet (only grazing on pasture, Control; G). Estrous synchronization of all ewes was done using controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and all ewes were mated with purebred Ghezel rams after CIDR removal. The results indicated that MS and SC treatments with 15 lambs had greater number of lambs than ewes of the other two treatment groups. Ewes in MS group with 50% twining rate had the greatest value followed by the FG, SC and G treatment groups (P<0.05). The lambs from ewes in MS and SC groups were heavier in weight than those in FG and G treatments (P<0.01). Blood sample analysis provided evidence that ewes in MS and SC groups had greater concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), blood urea nitrogen (P<0.05), insulin, glucose, cholesterol and total protein (P<0.01) than ewes of the other groups. These results indicated that using a diet for enhancing reproduction, including monensin sodium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast in the breeding season could have beneficial effects on reproductive performance of Ghezel ewes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modified Laminar Bone in Ampelosaurus atacis and Other Titanosaurs (Sauropoda): Implications for Life History and Physiology

PubMed Central

Klein, Nicole; Sander, P. Martin; Stein, Koen; Le Loeuff, Jean; Carballido, Jose L.; Buffetaut, Eric

2012-01-01

Background Long bone histology of the most derived Sauropoda, the Titanosauria suggests that titanosaurian long bone histology differs from the uniform bone histology of basal Sauropoda. Here we describe the long bone histology of the titanosaur Ampelosaurus atacis and compare it to that of basal neosauropods and other titanosaurs to clarify if a special titanosaur bone histology exists. Methodology/Principal Findings Ampelosaurus retains the laminar vascular organization of basal Sauropoda, but throughout most of cortical growth, the scaffolding of the fibrolamellar bone, which usually is laid down as matrix of woven bone, is laid down as parallel-fibered or lamellar bone matrix instead. The remodeling process by secondary osteons is very extensive and overruns the periosteal bone deposition before skeletal maturity is reached. Thus, no EFS is identifiable. Compared to the atypical bone histology of Ampelosaurus, the large titanosaur Alamosaurus shows typical laminar fibrolamellar bone. The titanosaurs Phuwiangosaurus, Lirainosaurus, and Magyarosaurus, although differing in certain features, all show this same low amount or absence of woven bone from the scaffolding of the fibrolamellar bone, indicating a clear reduction in growth rate resulting in a higher bone tissue organization. To describe the peculiar primary cortical bone tissue of Phuwiangosaurus, Ampelosaurus, Lirainosaurus, and Magyarosaurus, we here introduce a new term, “modified laminar bone” (MLB). Conclusions/Significance Importantly, MLB is as yet not known from extant animals. At least in Lirainosaurus and Magyarosaurus the reduction of growth rate indicated by MLB is coupled with a drastic body size reduction and maybe also a reduction in metabolic rate, interpreted as a result of dwarfing on the European islands during the Late Cretaceous. Phuwiangosaurus and Ampelosaurus both show a similar reduction in growth rate but not in body size, possibly indicating also a reduced metabolic rate. The large titanosaur Alamosaurus, on the other hand, retained the plesiomorphic bone histology of basal neosauropods. PMID:22615842

Molecular model of the mitochondrial genome segregation machinery in Trypanosoma brucei

PubMed Central

Hoffmann, Anneliese; Käser, Sandro; Jakob, Martin; Amodeo, Simona; Peitsch, Camille; Týč, Jiří; Vaughan, Sue; Schneider, André

2018-01-01

In almost all eukaryotes, mitochondria maintain their own genome. Despite the discovery more than 50 y ago, still very little is known about how the genome is correctly segregated during cell division. The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei contains a single mitochondrion with a singular genome, the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). Electron microscopy studies revealed the tripartite attachment complex (TAC) to physically connect the kDNA to the basal body of the flagellum and to ensure correct segregation of the mitochondrial genome via the basal bodies movement, during the cell cycle. Using superresolution microscopy, we precisely localize each of the currently known TAC components. We demonstrate that the TAC is assembled in a hierarchical order from the base of the flagellum toward the mitochondrial genome and that the assembly is not dependent on the kDNA itself. Based on the biochemical analysis, the TAC consists of several nonoverlapping subcomplexes, suggesting an overall size of the TAC exceeding 2.8 mDa. We furthermore demonstrate that the TAC is required for correct mitochondrial organelle positioning but not for organelle biogenesis or segregation. PMID:29434039

The symbiotic fauna of the African termite Hodotermes mossambicus identification of four flagellate species of the genera Spironympha, Trichomonoides and Retortamonas.

PubMed

Brugerolle, Guy

2006-02-01

Two Spironympha species were described by light immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Spironympha fibrosa n. sp. has a narrow columella, several axostylar fibres and original striated myoneme-like fibres attached to the last basal body of each flagellar line. Spironympha simplex n. sp. is small and has non-striated microfibrils attached to the basal body section and an axostyle composed of two fibres. Trichomonas termitidis, as reported by Dogiel (Researches on parasitic protozoa from the intestine of termites. II. Lophomonadidae. Sci Res Zool Exped Brit E Africa made by Prof. V. Dogiel and I. Sokolow in 1914 10:20-35, 1917), has the features of Trichomonoides trypanoides, as reported by Brugerolle and Bordereau (Eur J Protistol 40:163-174, 2004). Retortamonas hodotermitis n. sp. shares the characteristics of insect retortamonads, as reported by Brugerolle (Protistologica 8:233-240, 1976), but does not correspond to any species described to date. The species identification differs from that of described in Dogiel (Russkii Arkhiv Protistologii 1:172-234, 1922).

Loss of SPARC dysregulates basal lamina assembly to disrupt larval fat body homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Shahab, Jaffer; Baratta, Cristina; Scuric, Bianca; Godt, Dorothea; Venken, Koen J T; Ringuette, Maurice J

2015-04-01

SPARC is a collagen-binding glycoprotein whose functions during early development are unknown. We previously reported that SPARC is expressed in Drosophila by hemocytes and the fat body (FB) and enriched in basal laminae (BL) surrounding tissues, including adipocytes. We sought to explore if SPARC is required for proper BL assembly in the FB. SPARC deficiency leads to larval lethality, associated with remodeling of the FB. In the absence of SPARC, FB polygonal adipocytes assume a spherical morphology. Loss-of-function clonal analyses revealed a cell-autonomous accumulation of BL components around mutant cells that include collagen IV (Col lV), Laminin, and Perlecan. Ultrastructural analyses indicate SPARC-deficient adipocytes are surrounded by an aberrant accumulation of a fibrous extracellular matrix. Our data indicate a critical requirement for SPARC for the proper BL assembly in Drosophila FB. Since Col IV within the BL is a prime determinant of cell shape, the rounded appearance of SPARC-deficient adipocytes is due to aberrant assembly of Col IV. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of endothelium-derived nitric oxide on skin and digital blood flow in humans.

PubMed

Coffman, J D

1994-12-01

The effects of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) on total finger and forearm, and dorsal finger and forearm skin, blood flows were studied in the basal state and during reflex sympathetic vasoconstriction in normal subjects. Total flows were measured by venous occlusion plethysmography and skin flows by laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF). L-NMMA in doses of 2, 4, and 8 microM/min given by constant infusion via a brachial artery catheter significantly decreased finger blood flow, forearm blood flow, and vascular conductances. At 8 microM/min, total finger blood flow decreased 38.4% and forearm blood flow decreased 24.8%. Dorsal finger and forearm skin LDF were also significantly decreased (25 and 37% at 8 microM/min). Body cooling significantly decreased finger blood flow (73.6%), vascular conductance, and finger LDF (59.7%). L-NMMA had no effect on total finger blood flow or dorsal finger LDF during body cooling. Nitric oxide or related compounds contribute to the basal dilator tone of the dorsal finger and forearm skin but not during reflex sympathetic vasoconstriction.

Association between neck and shoulder pain, back pain, low back pain and body composition parameters among the Japanese general population.

PubMed

Iizuka, Yoichi; Iizuka, Haku; Mieda, Tokue; Tajika, Tsuyoshi; Yamamoto, Atsushi; Ohsawa, Takashi; Sasaki, Tsuyoshi; Takagishi, Kenji

2015-11-04

Neck and shoulder pain, back pain and low back pain are common symptoms in Japanese subjects, and it is important to elucidate the pathology and associated factors of these pains due to their frequency and impact on the quality of life (QOL) and activities of daily living (ADL). The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether body composition is associated with these pains. We collected the data of 273 Japanese subjects regarding the presence and the visual analogue scale (VAS) of neck and shoulder pain, back pain, low back pain and body composition parameters calculated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology. Furthermore, we investigated the association between these pains and the body composition using statistical methods. According to a multivariate analysis adjusted for age and gender, lower total body water ratio was significantly associated with the presence of neck and shoulder pain at present (P < 0.05); additionally, total body muscle mass (standardized β = -0.26, 95 % CI, -0.17 - -0.008, P < 0.05), total body water (standardized β = -0.27, 95 % CI, -0.23 - -0.04, P < 0.01), appendicular muscle mass (standardized β = -0.29, 95 % CI, -0.36 - -0.04, P < 0.05), and the appendicular muscle mass index (AMI) (standardized β = -0.24, 95 % CI, -1.18 - -0.20, P <0.01) were negatively correlated with the VAS of neck and shoulder pain, whereas no body composition parameters were significantly associated with back pain, low back pain at present and any type of chronic pain. The present study demonstrated that some body composition parameters regarding body water and body muscle were associated or correlated with the presence or intensity of neck and shoulder pain.

Preventive effects of raloxifene treatment on agerelated weight loss in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Urano, Tomohiko; Shiraki, Masataka; Kuroda, Tatsuhiko; Tanaka, Shiro; Uenishi, Kazuhiro; Inoue, Satoshi

2017-01-01

Decline of body weight and body mass index (BMI) with aging is a major risk factor for osteoporosis and fracture, suggesting that treatment for osteoporosis may affect body composition. However, the effects of treatment for osteoporosis on body composition are not well known. The present study aimed to identify the relationship between raloxifene treatment and body composition markers. We measured bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and bone remodeling markers in 236 Japanese postmenopausal women with raloxifene treatment (N = 50) and without treatment by any osteoporosis drug (N = 186) for 5 years and analyzed the relationship of these with BMD, BMI, body weight, and biochemical markers. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 65.5 (9.3) years. Percent-changes in body weight and BMI were significantly different between women taking raloxifene and those not taking any osteoporosis drugs (P = 0.03 and 0.048, respectively). Raloxifene treatment was a significant independent determinant of body weight and BMI. Long-term treatment with raloxifene prevents age-related weight loss.

Body composition and wages.

PubMed

Wada, Roy; Tekin, Erdal

2010-07-01

This paper examines the relationship between body composition and wages in the United States. We develop measures of body composition--body fat (BF) and fat-free mass (FFM)--using data on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) that are available in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III and estimate wage models for respondents in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. Previous research uses body size or BMI as measures of obesity despite a growing concern that they do not distinguish between body fat and fat-free body mass or adequately control for non-homogeneity inside the human body. Therefore, measures presented in this paper represent a useful alternative to BMI-based proxies of obesity. Our results indicate that BF is associated with decreased wages for both males and females among whites and blacks. We also present evidence suggesting that FFM is associated with increased wages. We show that these results are not the artifacts of unobserved heterogeneity. Finally, our findings are robust to numerous specification checks and to a large number of alternative BIA prediction equations from which the body composition measures are derived. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Indicators of walking speed in rheumatoid arthritis: relative influence of articular, psychosocial, and body composition characteristics.

PubMed

Lusa, Amanda L; Amigues, Isabelle; Kramer, Henry R; Dam, Thuy-Tien; Giles, Jon T

2015-01-01

To explore the contributions from and interactions between articular swelling and damage, psychosocial factors, and body composition characteristics on walking speed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients underwent the timed 400-meter long-corridor walk. Demographics, self-reported levels of depressive symptoms and fatigue, RA characteristics, and body composition (using whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry, and abdominal and thigh computed tomography) were assessed and their associations with walking speed explored. A total of 132 RA patients had data for the 400-meter walk, among whom 107 (81%) completed the full 400 meters. Significant multivariable indicators of slower walking speed were older age, higher depression scores, higher reported pain and fatigue, higher swollen and replaced joint counts, higher cumulative prednisone exposure, nontreatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and worse body composition. These features accounted for 60% of the modeled variability in walking speed. Among specific articular features, slower walking speed was primarily correlated with large/medium lower-extremity joint involvement. However, these articular features accounted for only 21% of the explainable variability in walking speed. Having any relevant articular characteristic was associated with a 20% lower walking speed among those with worse body composition (P < 0.001), compared with only a 6% lower speed among those with better body composition (P = 0.010 for interaction). Psychosocial factors and body composition are potentially reversible contributors to walking speed in RA. Relative to articular disease activity and damage, nonarticular indicators were collectively more potent indicators of an individual's mobility limitations. Copyright © 2015 by the American College of Rheumatology.